HC Deb 12 April 1927 vol 205 cc190-1
74. Colonel APPLIN

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can give the reason for the delay in the delivery of ½d. printed matter through the letter post; and if he is aware of the loss and inconvenience caused to business men in the City through their failure to receive important price lists and market quotations by the forenoon deliveries through these delays?

Viscount WOLMER

I take it that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the regulation under which printed matter prepaid one halfpenny posted after a specified time—4.30 p.m. in the case of London—is not despatched the same day. This regulation was a condition of the reduction of the printed paper rate to one halfpenny in 1922. It gives considerable relief in sorting offices at the heaviest period of pressure, and enables the general night mails to be disposed of punctually and economically. I have from time to time received complaints of inconvenience caused through the holding over of late posted halfpenny matter, but I would point out that this can be avoided by posting before the prescribed hour or by prepaying urgent packets at the penny rate.

Colonel APPLIN

Will the Noble Lord consider whether he ought not to make an exception in the case of the City of London; and is he aware that these price lists and market quotations must be posted after the hour which he has named and that it is extremely inconvenient to the business of the City of London that these things should be received by the second post next day?

Viscount WOLMER

If the matter is urgent, I think it ought to pay full postage. The halfpenny rate is an exceedingly cheap rate, and it is only justifiable if the matter is posted at hours when the rest of the postal work is somewhat slack.

Colonel APPLIN

Is the Noble Lord aware that the particular matter to which I refer can only be posted in a halfpenny wrapper because it consists of market prices printed for the benefit of a large number of business men in the City of London; and will he give this matter his earnest consideration in the interests of the business community?

Viscount WOLMER

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. If the matter has paid the penny rate, it will not be delayed.