§ Mr. FORRESTasked the Postmaster-General whether he has taken into consideration, in fixing so early a date for the introduction of the 1½d. postcard rate of postage, the hard position of many small stationers and printers with large stocks of postcards; and whether it is possible to postpone the step for a rather longer period to help these traders in the present difficult times?
§ Mr. PEASEA prospective increase in the rate of postage for inland postcards was announced in the Budget Statement of April, 1920, and in the White Paper then issued, and it was only deferred because the corresponding foreign rate, which was the same as the inland rate, could not be increased until after the Madrid Congress, which was held last Autumn. The postcard traders have already had long notice of the change, and in view of the necessity for increasing Post Office revenue, my right hon. Friend regrets not being justified in any further postponement.