§ 42. Mr. Jaggerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he will consider the desirability of recommending cheaper Empire air rates, because British newspapers overseas, not being able to afford the present high charges for receiving material, are compelled to rely on attenuated cables and broadcasting from all countries?
§ Sir E. GriggI appreciate the importance of despatches from correspondents in this country to British newspapers overseas. I regret that I am unable at present to add to the answer given to the hon. Member by my right hon, and gallant Friend the Postmaster-General on 17th October, except to say that my right hon. Friend, in consultation with the Secretary of State for Air, has the question of Empire air-mail rates under constant review.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWill the right hon. Gentleman represent to the members of the Cabinet that this is a most urgent matter, and that the lack of air mail and high postal rates are depriving the public abroad of all British news and articles?
§ Sir E. GriggI can assure the hon. Gentleman that the importance of this matter is fully realised, but the real difficulty lies with regard to weight and space.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is more than a month since this matter was raised by the Advisory Council, and that we then urged that action should immediately be taken? Is he also aware that all this time the British position has been seriously compromised even within the Empire?