§ 33. Sir CHARLES OMANasked the Postmaster-General why half-ounce letters from the United States, stamped with four-cent. stamps, are now being surcharged with 1d. fine by the Post Office and similar letters with a two-cent. stamp with a fine of 3d., in view of the present relations of the pound and the dollar?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Graham White)The correct postage on the letters in question is 5 cents. The amount of the surcharge to be collected on an underpaid letter is calculated by doubling the deficiency in the currency of the country of origin, converting the amount into gold centimes and then into the currency of the country of destination, in each case on the basis of the equivalent fixed for postal purposes by the country concerned. The surcharges mentioned by the hon. Member were correctly assessed.
§ Sir C. OMANIf the hon. Gentleman's answer is correct, will he explain how it is that, in addition to the letters to which I have called attention in the question, I received another letter, also a half-ounce letter, without any surcharge at all; and does not this show that the arrangements in regard to this matter are chaotic?
§ Mr. GRAHAM WHITEI shall be much obliged if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of that letter.