Captain BENNasked the Postmaster-General whether he can make any statement as to the reintroduction of the 1d. post; and whether, in view of their importance to the rapid transaction of business, he can consider the reintroduction of the early morning delivery of halfpenny postal packets, particularly advice cards?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONAs regards the first part of the question, I am afraid that I cannot anticipate the Budget statement. As regards the second part, halfpenny packets are delivered by the first post, if posted on the previous afternoon before a time (generally about 4.30) which is announced 823W locally. This restriction on the time of posting greatly facilitates the handling of the general night mails, and I do not see my way to waive it.