HC Deb 18 March 1902 vol 105 c326
MR. STUART SAMUEL

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that the British Parcel Post declines to accept gold for transmission from China, whereas the German Imperial Post does convey gold, with the result that gold which formerly came to this country is now sent to Germany; and if he will take steps to make the facilities offered by the British Parcel Post in China equal to those offered by Germany.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

The Postmaster General is aware of the facts stated in the Question, but he is not prepared to make an exception to the rule which excludes from the parcel post to and from places abroad any parcel containing coin or bullion of more value than £5. The Parcel Post arrangements of this country are not suited to a traffic in bullion; and the presence of packets of gold in the mails, rendering necessary special precautions for their safety, tends to inconvenience not only the Post Office but also the senders of other parcels.