MR. KENYON (Denbigh Boroughs)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he will state on what principle the regulations as to private bags are framed; whether the fees realised by the carriage of private bags are paid to the district postmasters as part of their salaries; whether agreements entered into by district postmasters are liable to be reversed by their successors on their retirement or promotion; and whether he will lay before Parliament a copy of the regulations now in force showing any changes which have been made during the last ten years.
(Answer.) The principle upon which the regulations referred to are framed is that of assessing the fees to be paid by the owners of private bags according to the weight of their bags. The fees do not form part of the emoluments of postmasters, etc., except at some of the smaller sub-post offices. Postmasters have no authority to enter into agreements with regard to private bags, but are required to conform strictly to the regulations. These regulations are clearly shown on page 31 of the Post Office Guide, and the Postmaster General does not consider it necessary to lay them before Parliament. No change has been made in them during the last ten years.—(Post Office.)