§ MR. FENWICK (Northumberland, Wansbeck)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that parcels containing clothing and other articles, sent by special rates on 30th September and 20th November, 1901, to troopers serving under Lord 1276 Methuen in South Africa, have not yet been delivered; and can he state any reason for the delay in delivery.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN, Worcestershire, E.)The Postmaster General has no knowledge of the delay referred to. All parcels for the troops received by the Post Office last year for despatch to South Africa by parcel post were sent forward from this country in due course in conformity with the regulations. It is observed that the 30th of September and 20th of November last were not dates on which parcel mails were despatched to South Africa; and it seems possible, therefore, that the parcels which the hon. Member has in mind were intended for transmission by another channel. If, however, they were meant to be sent out by parcel post perhaps the addresses and particulars of posting can be furnished for purposes of inquiry.