Sir HENRY COWANasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that Members of the Australian Commonwealth Parliament enjoy free postage for all letters dispatched by them from the Houses of Parliament and also receive a monthly allowance for postage stamps for letter posted elsewhere; and whether he will take steps to secure similar facilities for Members of this House?
§ Mr. PIKE PEASEI have no official information as to Australian practice, but have no reason to doubt the hon. Member's statement. The hon. Member's proposal would revive in a modified form the system of franking which was abolished by the Penny Postage Act of 1810, and my right hon. Friend cannot recommend its adoption.