§ Mr. STANTONasked the Postmaster-General if he will consider some system of franking the letters of Members of Parliament when such letters bear replies from Government Departments; is he aware 529W that the existing postage rates for such letters fall hardly upon some Members of this House; and, seeing that such letters are in the national service and interest, will be allow such letters to be sent at half-rates when unsealed?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe system of franking of letters by Members of Parliament which prevailed in the eighteenth century and the earlier part of the nineteenth century was swept away by the Penny Postage Act of 1840. The system led to many abuses, which it was impossible to control, and I should be sorry to see it revived in any form.