§ 31. Mr. HURDasked the Postmaster-General, in view of the extension of the cash-en-delivery system promised for 30th April, whether he will consider the advantages of inaugurating an agricultural parcels post which would allow farmers and housewives to make use of the new facilities; and, if financial considerations do not at present permit of this experiment, whether he will consult the Empire Marketing Board with a view to securing support for the trial of a service which has proved of value abroad as a direct channel between producer and consumer?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONProposals for reduced rates for agricultural produce sent by parcel post have been very carefully considered, but it was definitely decided that the difficulties of such a service in this country were too 800 great to render its institution advisable. Accordingly, the alternative of an arrangement with the railway companies was pursued, and I believe that farmers will derive considerable advantage from the extension of the cash-on-delivery system in connection with the railway companies' parcel service, which permits of larger consignments and therefore seems generally better adapted to their requirements than the parcel post.