§ 33. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Postmaster-General whether, with a view to popularising and increasing the output of telegrams, he will consider making no charge for address or signature?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe free transmission of the address in an inland telegram was abolished in 1885, and I do not favour the re-introduction of a system which was far from satisfactory.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not a fact that the countries which go in for giving these facilities are those which make the most money out of telegrams?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI do not know if that is generally true. I can only say what has been the experience in 1157 this country. Our experience has been that with a system of no charge for addresses, the addresses tended to get longer and longer until in 1871 the average address was 12 words.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs it not a fact that telegrams at the present rate show a loss?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThat is well known.
§ Mr. SPEAKERMr. Tinker—
§ Sir R. THOMASMay I ask the Postmaster-General in that case is there any use in—
§ Mr. STEPHENOn a point of Order. Is it in order for the hon. Member for Anglesea (Sir R. Thomas) to put a supplementary question after another hon. Member has been called?
§ Sir R. THOMASI apologise. I did not hear the hon. Member being called.