HC Deb 03 July 1928 vol 219 cc1156-7
33. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked 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-THOMSON

The 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. BRITTAIN

Is 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-THOMSON

I do not know if that is generally true. I can only say what has been the experience in 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. THOMAS

Is it not a fact that telegrams at the present rate show a loss?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

That is well known.

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Tinker—

Sir R. THOMAS

May I ask the Postmaster-General in that case is there any use in—

Mr. STEPHEN

On 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. THOMAS

I apologise. I did not hear the hon. Member being called.

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