MR. KENNARDasked the Postmaster General, Whether, since the death of the late Controller, the authorities of the Post Office Savings Banks have issued nearly two millions of receipts and orders for repayment bearing his signature; and, whether the signature of a dead man is considered a valid receipt in Savings Bank business; and, if not, whether either the Postmaster General or Mr. Cardin was aware of the issue of these documents?
§ MR. FAWCETTSir, in reply to the hon. Member, I may state that no possible inconvenience can result to the depositors from using the printed forms containing the signature of the late Controller until his successor was appointed. As it was possible -that there would be considerable delay in filling up the appointment of Controller, instructions were recently given that the forms should be stamped with the name of the Assistant Controller. A new appointment has, 1871 however, been made to the post of Controller, and printed forms bearing his signature will be got ready with the least possible delay.
MR. KENNARDI should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether legal opinion has been taken with regard to the validity of these documents, in case of fraud, being admissible as evidence?
§ MR. FAWCETTI showed the answer I have just given to the Solicitor to the Post Office, and he said I was perfectly right in stating that no inconvenience could arise.
MR. KENNARDI am sorry to press the right hon. Gentleman—the question is whether these forms are or are not admissible as evidence in cases of fraud?
§ MR. FAWCETTI can only say I have, consulted the Solicitor to the Post Office, and I answer on his authority. The hon. Member seems to forget that these printed forms which are sent out are merely formal, and it has been several times proposed that they should be abolished. What really is important is the entry in the depositor's book.
MR. KENNARDAre they admissible in evidence? I must press the Postmaster General to answer that [Cries of "Order!"]
§ MR. SPEAKERThe right hon. Gentleman has already answered the Question.
§ MR. E. STANHOPEWho is the new Controller?
§ MR. FAWCETTMr. Compton, the gentleman who has for many years been the Assistant Controller. He was appointed last Monday.
§ MR. MACFARLANE (for Mr. GRAY)asked the Postmaster General, Whether it is a fact that the postage on a newspaper to Newfoundland, the oldest British Colony, and the nearest American land to England, is one penny, while the postage to Canada is only one halfpenny?
§ MR. FAWCETTThere is not, Sir, as the hon. Member supposes, a difference in the postage on newspapers to Newfoundland and Canada. As stated in The Post Office Guide, the postage on newspapers, both to Newfoundland and to Canada, is ½d. for each paper not exceeding two ounces in weight, and 1d. for each newspaper over two ounces, and not exceeding four.