The privilege of letters coming free of postage to and from members of parliament was claimed by the house of commons in 1660, when the first legal settlement of the present post office was made; but afterwards dropped, upon a private assurance from the crown, that this privilege should be allowed the members. And accordingly a warrant was constantly issued to the postmaster general, directing the allowance thereof to the extent of two ounces in weight: till at length it was expressly confirmed by 4 Geo. III. c. 24, which adds many new regulations, rendered necessary by the great abuses which had crept into the practice of franking; whereby the annual amount of franked letters had increased from 23,600l. in the year 1715, to 179,700l. in the year 1763. Further regulations have since taken place; in particular, franks must be dated (the month written at length), and put into the office the same day; notwithstanding which, the revenue still loses by this privilege a very considerable annual sum.