§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Post-master-General if he is aware that the new charges proposed to be levied on provincial newspapers having 24-hour private wires represent nearly double the cost of providing and maintaining such wires; whether the proposed increase is a very serious handicap on the provincial newspapers, which are already at a considerable disadvantage as compared with the Metropolitan Press; and whether he will consider the withdrawal or a considerable modification of the increased rates?
§ Mr. PEASEThe new rates for 24-hour private wires do not represent more than the average costs of providing, 609W maintaining and renewing the line plant, and I regret that I cannot hold out any prospect of their withdrawal or modification unless there should be a large decrease in costs. The disadvantage of the provincial as compared with the metropolitan Press in the collection of news is, I fear, inherent in the geographical position.