Captain BENNasked the Postmaster-General whether he can make any statement in reference to the charges for parcel post; and whether any reduction is anticipated in the present charges?
§ Mr. N. CHAMBERLAINI regret that I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this matter.
§ Mr. HURDasked the Postmaster General whether, in view of the precarious position of many smallholders in 532W agricultural counties like Somerset and in view of Government pledges to agriculturists, he will take steps to restore cheaper postal rates upon eggs, poultry, bacon, cheese, butter and other produce, and thus benefit both rural producer and urban consumer?
§ Mr. N. CHAMBERLAINI am afraid that, though I sympathise with the object in view, I could not entertain any suggestion of granting a special rate for parcels of agricultural produce. A preferential rate of this kind would immediately elicit demands for similar treatment from other industries to which cheap transport is of no less importance, and I know of no ground on which equality of treatment could be refused.