§ 4. Mr. Ridleyasked the Postmaster-General if he will allow sealed plastic containers used as envelopes for printed matter to pay only the cheap rate for postage for printed matter.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterNo, Sir. We must be able to open printed paper packets easily and so check that their contents are eligible for this cheap-rate service.
§ Mr. RidleyWould the hon. Gentleman explain why the Post Office persists with the ridiculous practice of having a cheap rate at all? Surely it would be easier to check that a material is circular matter if one were able to see through the envelope because it is transparent? Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that it would be easier to police this by using this method than by having to open envelopes and inspect them?
§ Mr. SlaterWe must be able to examine all the contents if we are to verify that the conditions laid down for the service are being met. For the information of the hon. Gentleman, transparent envelopes are not permitted in the international or inland postal services.