THE EARL OF MILLTOWNasked, Why printed matter enclosed in an envelope open at the sides is charged a higher rate of postage than the same matter enclosed in a similar envelope open at the ends; and, further, how it is decided which are to be regarded as the sides and which as the ends in case of an envelope which is square?
THE PRIME MINISTER (The Marquess of SALISBURY) (who replied)said, he regretted that he was unable to give his noble Friend any useful or conclusive answer to the Question. He was informed that the Post Office Authorities were wholly unable to understand the Question; but he was desired to say that if the noble Earl would be kind enough to furnish specimens of what he meant, they would be glad to afford any further information in their power for his satisfaction.
THE EARL OF MILLTOWNsaid, the Post Office Regulations required that, for the purposes of the book post, both ends of the envelope should be open; but he was informed that if, instead, the sides were left open, the full rate of postage was charged. The Post Office officials themselves decided which were the sides and which the ends of an envelope, and in some instance charged the full rate if what they considered the sides were left open instead of the ends, the object, of course, being that the contents should be open to inspection. He was at a loss to understand why the sides, which were larger than the ends, should not be considered equally available for the purpose.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYrepeated that if the necessary information were supplied the postal officials would further inquire into the matter.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before Six o'clock, to Monday next, a quarter before Four o'clock.