§ 57. Commander SOUTHBYasked the Postmaster-General whether it is the intention of the Post Office to enter into competition with private individuals by selling picture postcards at local post offices?
§ 59. Mr. WOMERSLEYasked the Postmaster-General if he will, before arriving at any decision respecting the sale of photographic-view postcards at post offices, consult the representatives of the Stationers' Association of Great Britain and Ireland and of the Newsagents' Trade Union?
§ 60. Captain HAROLD BALFOURasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the proposed sale of picture postcards of seaside resorts by the Post Office will adversely affect the business of large and small retail traders who depend on the sale of these cards for a portion of their business whether he has considered the representations to this effect from their trade organisations; and if he will make no decision contrary to their interests?
§ 61. Sir B. PETOasked the Postmaster-General whether a decision has been arrived at on the question of the Post Office going into the picture postcard business; and whether, before arriving at any decision, he will take into consideration the fact that this business forms a large part of the living of many small shopkeepers whose interests would be injuriously affected by competitive trading by a State Department?
§ 67. Mr. MARJORIBANKSasked the Postmaster-General when the proposals for the issue by his Department of picture postcards will be sufficiently advanced for consultation with representatives of retail stationers; and whether he will hold such consultation before coming to a decision?
§ Mr. ATTLEEAs I informed hon. Members in the answer given to similar questions on Thursday the 4th instant, no 619 decision has yet been made. I might add that the Stationers' Association of Great Britain and Ireland has been made aware of the scope of the proposals. I should be prepared to discuss the matter with trade associations interested.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEIs the hon. Gentleman willing to receive a deputation of those who object to this form of competition?
§ Mr. ATTLEEI have said so.
§ Commander SOUTHBYWill the hon. Member agree to do nothing further until he has had an opportunity of consulting the deputation?
§ Mr. ATTLEEI have already stated that I am prepared to receive deputations and representations, and obviously I should not take steps until I had done so.