§ Mr. CROOKSasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the decision that the collecting sheets of the Hospital Saturday Fund could only be sent through the post at letter rates and not as printed matter as hitherto; whether he is aware that this decision is increasing the cost of postage to a considerable extent in connection with this voluntary organisation; and whether the decision can be reconsidered?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHArticles of stationery such as blank collecting sheets for the Hospital Saturday Fund cannot be regarded as coming within the definition of "printed matter" merely because they bear printed words upon them, and they are therefore not admissible at the book rate of postage. From June, 1897, until November, 1915, the book rate was identical with the letter rate, except as regards packets not exceeding 2 ozs. in weight, and consequently any packet prepaid more than ½d. then passed at the letter rate, in 971W sealed or unsealed envelopes, without regard to the nature of the contents. Since the latter date, when the letter rate was increased, these collecting sheets, like other articles for which a reduced rate has not been provided, have been liable to the increased rate. While, therefore, I sympathise with the object in view, I regret that the Post Office would not be justified in authorising transmission of such articles of stationery at the book rate.