§ Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Postmaster-General the postal rates to and from Singapore; whether any reductions on the standard rates are allowed to men serving in His Majesty's Forces there; and whether he will reduce the present rates in their case?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe standard postal rates from this country to Singapore are as follow:
Letters.—2½d. for the first oz. and 1d. for each additional oz.
Parcels.—Up to 3 lb., 2s.; 7 lb., 3s. 3d.; 11 lb., 4s. 6d.; 22 lb., 7s. 9d.
For letters and parcels addressed to all members of His Majesty's Forces serving overseas, however, special reduced rates are in force, namely:
Letters.—1½d. for the first oz. and 1d. for each additional oz.
Parcels.—Up to 3 1b., 9d.; 71b., 1s. 6d.; 11 lb., 2S.; 22 lb., 3s. 6d.
I am sorry that I can make no further concession.
For letters from Singapore the standard rates are 8 cents for the first oz. and 4 cents for each additional oz., and for parcels up to 3 lb., 80 cents; 7 lb., 1 dollar 40 cents; 11 lb., 1 dollar 90 cents; 22 lb., 3 dollars 40 cents. Free postage has been granted in respect of letters for this country posted by His Majesty's 863W Forces, but I understand that parcels have to be prepaid at the standard rates. Any question of reducing the parcel rates in favour of the Forces would be a matter for the Colonial Government.