§ 50. Mr. LESLIE BOYCEasked the Postmaster-General if he can give figures showing comparative postal rates for printed papers and samples by air mail between London and West Africa and London and East Africa, respectively; and whether, in view of the desirability of encouraging the sending of printed papers and samples by air mail between London and East Africa, the Government will consider the advisability of making a substantial reduction in the present rates for such postal matter at an early date?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Attlee)The inclusive fee for printed papers and samples to French Guinea, Senegal, Gambia and Sierra Leone is 4d. Per ½ oz.: the corresponding fee to the Sudan, is 5d. the first ½ oz., and 4d. for each succeeding ½ oz., and to Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika 7d. and 6d., respectively. The various fees have been fixed at the lowest possible point in relation to the charges made for air conveyance and, unless and until those charges are lowered, I regret I cannot offer a reduction.
§ Mr. BOYCEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it costs as much per pound to send samples and printed matter by air mail to East Africa as to send an individual who has to be housed and fed; and does he not think it excessive?
§ Mr. ATTLEEThe hon. Member will realise that, in this matter, we have to make arrangements with the French company, and that is part of the explanation.
§ Mr. ATTLEEI am referring to French Guinea.
§ Mr. BOYCEI am referring and the question refers to East Africa, if the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to address his mind to it for a moment. Will he consider a reduction in the rate on printed matter and samples to East Africa, which is so high as to be prohibitive?
§ Mr. ATTLEEThe point which arises there is one of getting a certain proportion between expenditure on letters and on printed matter. If it is intended to reduce the rate for printed matter very much then it will be necessary to charge more for letters, and the charge for letters, which are more important in that particular district, is lower than corresponding charges elsewhere.
§ 51. Mr. BOYCEasked the Postmaster-General the number of letters and the total weight of postal matter carried from England on the inaugural flight of the new air mail service between London and East Africa which left Croydon on 28th February last?
§ Mr. ATTLEEThe total weight carried was 164 lb., but I have no information regarding the number of letters.