§ Mr. CAUTLEYasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Messrs. Ryder, seed specialists, of St. Albans, publicly state that they would have saved over £12,000 by printing and posting their full seed catalogue abroad; that numbers of traders can afford to pay for the preparation and printing of lists and catalogues at home but cannot afford to distribute them because of the excessive rate of postage; that consequently the catalogues are being posted and printed abroad in increasing quantities, with the 85W result that many branches of the printing trade are at a standstill, men unemployed, and the revenue of the Post Office depleted; and whether he can reduce the rate of postage on trade catalogues and advertisements forthwith?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI am aware that Messrs. Ryders, seedsmen, of St. Albans, have made the statement referred to in the first part of the question. It is not the fact that the cost of postage is the only or the principal factor in the case of this and other firms who have had their circulars published and posted in countries where the currency is depreciated. I hope to announce as soon as possible the decision of the Government in regard to reductions in postal charges.