§ MR. HEYWOOD JOHNSTONE (Sussex, Horsham)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he can state the average amount received in each year for surcharges on letters alleged to be insufficiently stamped, and the number of surcharges erroneously made; and if any, and what, steps are taken to repay surcharges erroneously made, and which are brought to the notice of the Post Office by persons who have posted letters erroneously surcharged, but who have not themselves been called upon to pay such surcharges.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) No Returns are kept showing the average amount received in each year for surcharges on letters alleged to be insufficiently stamped or the number of surcharges erroneously made. To be in a position to give such information, the Postmaster General would have to order special Returns to be taken, the cost of which would not, in his opinion, be justified by the value of the information when obtained. On being furnished with sufficient evidence, the Postmaster General is always prepared to repay surcharges erroneously made, although the matter may be brought to the notice of the Post Office by persons who posted the letters, but have not themselves been called on to pay such charges. If the hon. Member has any special case in view and will give particulars, the Postmaster General will be happy to inquire into it.