§ 84. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Postmaster-General how many letters sent from the United Kingdom to foreign countries during 1947 and during the first half of 1948 were insufficiently stamped; and what further measures he contemplates taking to bring this matter to the notice of the public and of the business community, with a view to minimising the inconvenience and annoyance which is being caused to addressees in foreign countries.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingContinuous records of the number of insufficiently prepaid letters for foreign destinations are not maintained, but the average weekly number of such letters up to one ounce in weight during the month of June, 1947, was of the order of 50,000. There was no appreciable change in the position in the first half of 1948, but according to more recent tests the average weekly rate of underpayment is now about 35,000. Publicity by Press, broadcast, film, and poster has been employed to104W bring the correct foreign postage rate, namely, 3d. for the first ounce and 2d. for each additional ounce, to the notice of the public and I propose to continue these measures.