§ Mr. W. HUTCHISONasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the increased charge for parcel post charges to the West Coast of Africa is 58 per cent. to 125 per cent. above the pre-War rate, and that 159, 170 parcels to Nigeria alone were despatched during 1920, he will reduce the charges and so encourage trade within the Empire?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe postage on foreign and colonial parcels has to cover not only the cost of the handling and conveyance in this country, but the cost of conveyance by sea and the out payments to the postal administrations of the countries of destination, and of the countries, if any, through which the parcels pass in transit. The rates of postage on the foreign and colonial parcels are at present the subject of examination, but I am not yet in a position to make any alterations in individual instances.