§ 28. Mr. Keelingasked the Postmaster-General why letters to the U.S.S.R. and other Communist-controlled countries are sent by air without surcharge while letters sent by air to Western Germany and Berlin incur a postage rate 50 per cent. higher.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingOwing to the exceptionally large proportion of "gift," as compared with ordinary, traffic for Germany and Poland, it has not so far been a practical proposition to provide unsurcharged air services to these countries. I am reviewing the position and will write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. KeelingDoes not the Postmaster-General agree that it is really Gilbertian that letters should be sent to the other side of the iron curtain by aircraft flying over Western Germany at a lower rate than letters sent to Western Germany itself?
§ Mr. PalingThere were reasons why these exceptions were made, but, as I have said, I am looking into it.