HC Deb 05 March 1934 vol 286 cc1520-1
19. Captain CAZALET

asked the Postmaster-General whether he contemplates altering the rate of air postage to India to a flat rate of 7d. per half-ounce instead of 6d., owing to the confusion which now arises as a result of the surcharge for any distance further than Karachi?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Kingsley Wood)

I have recently had this matter under consideration; but so long as a large number of users are satisfied with the acceleration secured by air transmission as far as Karachi only, for which the air postage is 6d for the first half-ounce and 5d. for each additional half-ounce, I should be reluctant to impose a flat rate involving an increase in those charges.

Captain CAZALET

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great many of the users are not aware that the delay is occasioned by only sending via Karachi, and, in view of the extensive air service that has recently been developed in India, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter?

Sir K. WOOD

I will gladly confer with my hon. and gallant Friend who, I know, has some knowledge on the matter, but there is difficulty, as he will appreciate, in increasing the charges of the service.