§ Mr. BAKERasked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the adoption of the system in successful operation abroad by which postal subscriptions may be received at any post office for newspapers and journals?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNThe distribution of newspapers is carried out in this country to a larger extent than in many other countries by stationers and news-vendors, who obtain supplies of the newspapers from the publishers in bulk, and deliver them to the public, usually at the published price. Under the system referred to by the hon. Member, I understand the subscriber pays a charge for postage in addition to the cost of the newspaper. I cannot see that the institution by the Post Office of a distributing service on these lines world be attended by any advantage to the public, while it would certainly damage the business of existing newsagents. From the point of view of the Post Office it would probably increase the loss on the newspaper post, which is already unremunerative.