§ Major NATHANasked the Postmaster-General the reason why the cost of sending letters by air mail from London to Brazil is 3s. 6d. per half ounce and only about Is., in terms of sterling, for the same weight from Rio de Janeiro to London?
§ Mr. WHITEThe fee on air mail letters from this country to Brazil is based on the charges payable to the French Post Office, which maintains the air mail service to South America, and has been fixed at the lowest figure consistent with maintaining the service on a self-supporting basis. The minimum charge of 3.200 milreis (about Is. 3½ d on an air mail letter from Brazil covers the transmission only of an article weighing 5 grammes (about⅙ oz.). For a letter weighing ½ oz. the charge is 8.200 milreis, or roughly 3s. 4d. at the present rate of exchange.