§ Mr. CROOKSasked the Postmaster-General whether there is any intention of raising the postal rates on British magazines going to Canada; whether he is aware that since the rates were reduced in 1907 a large additional number of magazines have been dispatched to Canada; and whether he will give consideration to the disadvantage of checking this, especially at the present time, before deciding to increase the postal rates?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe present postage rate of 1d. per lb. on British newspapers, magazines and trade journals sent from the United Kingdom to Canada will be discontinued on 31st December next. I am fully aware of the importance of maintaining a cheap rate of postage on British newspapers, magazines and trade journals sent to Canada, and of the great increase in the number so sent since the introduction in 1907 of the specially reduced rate of 1d. per lb. One of the essential conditions of the arrangement then made was that the sea-conveyance from the United Kingdom to Canada1350W should be provided by the Dominion Government. That Government has found itself no longer able to bear the whole of the expense of the sea conveyance, and it has accordingly been necessary to revise the Magazine Postage rate. I have now concluded an arrangement with the Canadian Post Office by which the following scale will be introduced on the 1st of January next:—
For each packet exceeding But not exceeding 2 oz. … 6 oz. in weight 1d. 6 oz. … 1½lb. in weight 1½d. 1½lb. … 2 lb. in weight 2d. 2 lb. … 2½lb. in weight 2½d. 2½lb. … 3 lb. in weight 3d. 3 lb. … 3½lb. in weight 3½d. 3½lb. … 4 lb. in weight 4d. 4 lb. … 4½lb. in weight 4½d. 4½lb. … 5 lb. in weight 5d. Although by the application of this scale there will be an increase of ½d. in the postage charged on packets weighing between 6 oz. and 1 lb. there will at the same time be a reduction of ½d. on all packets weighing between 1 lb. and 1½ lb., 2 lb. and 2½ lb., 3 lb. and 3½ lb., and 4 lb. and 4½ lb. The rate of 1d. for packets not exceeding 6 oz. in weight will I think cover the large majority of newspapers sent by private individuals who at present send most of the packets transmitted by Magazine Post. I am confident that the new scale will not press unduly on the senders of packets by Magazine Post, and will in no way hamper the spread of Imperial sentiment in the Dominion for which the post was instituted.