§ Mr. CARLILEasked the Postmaster-General whether he would explain why a charge of 10s. was recently collected for the porterage of a telegram delivered to 663W an address in New Barnet which is situated beyond the area of free delivery at Whetstone, a distance involving a tram-car fare costing 1d.?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELAt the time the telegram reached London the New Barnet Office was closed, and an endeavour to obtain the attention of that office was unsuccessful. The telegram had, therefore, to be treated under the rule relating to the delivery of urgent telegrams outside the London area when the normal office of delivery is closed, and that rule provides that a charge of 1s. a mile should be made for porterage from the chief London office. I am, however, considering a modification of this rule under which it may be possible to levy a smaller charge for porterage, and in this particular instance, as the telegram was unfortunately delayed, I will look into the question of refunding part, at any rate, of the charge.