§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Postmaster-General if he has received representations regarding the disadvantage London traders experience through packets bearing a, halfpenny stamp, and posted after 4.30 p.m., not being delivered until the afternoon of the following day, whereas in the provinces similar packets are apparently delivered the following morning; and whether he will consider the desirability of removing this anomaly?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThe arrangements by which packets bearing a halfpenny stamp and posted in London after 4.30 p.m., whether for London or provincial addresses, are held over to be dealt with the following morning; by relieving the sorting work at the period of heaviest pressure, enable the night mails to be cleared punctually, besides effecting considerable economies and improvements in staffing, and I cannot see my way to modify them. Similar arrangements are in force at a number of provincial towns. Printed papers prepaid a penny receive the same treatment as ordinary letters. I have received a letter on the subject from my right hon. Friend, to which I am sending a reply in writing.