§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERasked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered representations from the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce urging the necessity of arranging that halfpenny postal packets, which frequently contain urgent commercial documents, such as advices, instructions, orders, invoices, &c., should not be in any way delayed, but should be dealt with in the ordinary post as in pre-War times; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON- HICKSI have received the representations referred to. Under arrangements sanctioned by my predecessor the latest hour for posting1336W halfpenny packets for the night mails at the Sheffield head post, office has been extended to 5.15 p.m. It would not be possible further to extend the time, without relinquishing very substantial savings and administrative benefits; nor would it be feasible to make a distinction, such as is suggested, between the various classes of halfpenny packets based on the particular nature of their contents.