asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that newspapers by air-mail must be paid for at letter-rate, which, in consequence of their weight, makes their transport prohibitive in price, he can see his way to remove this handicap which seriously harms British newspapers and also British business?

The rates of payment to the air companies for the conveyance of newspapers are generally the same as for letters, and it is therefore not possible to quote reduced charges to the public for the air conveyance of newspapers. Where lower payments are made to a company for printed papers (including newspapers), the charges to the public are correspondingly reduced.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Newcastle-upon-Tyne and other large industrial towns in the North of England are not included in the new air-mail service; whether he is further aware of the public resentment that Newcastle and district have been left out of the scheme; and will he take steps to remedy this omission?

I am aware that the experimental air-mail services which are being introduced next month do not include a number of important centres such as Newcastle-upon-Tyne. But in the absence of regular flying services to such centres I regret that at present I am not in a position to bring them within the scope of these experiments.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in the event of the Post Office deciding to send certain first-class internal mail by air, he will consider, where possible, putting the contracts out to public tender?

My hon. Friend can be assured that before entering into any contracts I will bear his suggestion in mind and will have the fullest regard to the public interest.