§ MR. RYLANDSasked the Secretary to the Treasury, If it is the fact that a loss of about £2,000 has been occasioned by the defalcations of the late Distributor 1883 of Stamps at Devonport; and if, with a view to prevent similar losses in future, it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to place the distribution of stamps under the control of the Post Office by the appointment of Postmasters as Distributors of Stamps whenever vacancies occur?
§ MR. BAXTERSir, it is the fact that there has been a defalcation on the part of the distributor of stamps at Devonport to the extent of about £2,000, but we expect to recover the full amount from his sureties. In many instances the postmasters would not be the most suitable persons to be employed as the distributors of stamps; but it has for some time been the practice, and Government looks favourably on its extension, to unite the appointments wherever advisable, and this course has been adopted in the case of Devonport.