§ 81. Mr. CLARRYasked the Postmaster-General if he will state the existing arrangements of his Department for dealing with unsealed letters stamped ½d.; and is he aware that complaints are being made by traders that this class of letter containing invoices is often delivered several days after receipt of goods which are despatched at the time of posting?
§ Viscount WOLMERAny printed paper prepaid ½d. which is posted later than 4.30 p.m. in London (or such time as is announced at the local post office elsewhere) is liable to be held over for despatch the next morning. It should be delivered the same afternoon or on the morning of the following day, according to the distance which it has to travel. I am aware that complaints have been made; but my right hon. Friend cannot see his way to modify the arrangements, which afford much relief in sorting offices at the heaviest period of pressure and enable the night mails to be cleared punctually and economically.
§ Mr. CLARRYWith the exception of the time, may we understand that there is no adverse discrimination?
§ Viscount WOLMERThat is so.
§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEIs the Noble Lord aware that the hon. Member for East Cardiff (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke) is in communication with the Postmaster-General on this subject, and can he say that his answer will not in any way interfere with a reply being sent to the hon. Member for East Cardiff?
§ Viscount WOLMERI am certain the Postmaster-General will treat the hon. Member for East Cardiff with all proper deference.