§ 37. Mr. LECKIEasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the inconvenience to business houses caused by the non-delivery of invoices and other halfpenny postal matter by the first delivery in the morning, he can see his way to the restoration of the former practice?
§ Sir E. BENNETTInvoices and other postal matter paid for at the halfpenny rate are only liable to be held over if posted late in the afternoon or during the evening. And if they are prepaid a penny they are treated as ordinary letters. Considerable economies and other public advantages are effected by these arrangements and as their abandonment would involve carrying such matter below cost, my right hon. Friend does not consider that an alteration would be desirable.
§ Mr. LECKIEIs the hon. Member not aware that there is a very urgent demand in business circles for the restoration of the old system?
§ Sir E. BENNETTThere may be such a demand, but we cannot meet it.
§ Mr. PETHERICKIs not inconvenience caused by the non-delivery by the first post of Irish sweep tickets? Will the hon. Member see his way to restore the previous practice?
§ Mr. L. SMITHIs the hon. Member aware that orders as well as unimportant circulars are carried by the cheaper stamp, and will he at an early date give the matter further consideration?
§ Sir E. BENNETTindicated assent.