HC Deb 24 June 1903 vol 124 cc389-91
MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a registered letter addressed to Private Thomas Edens, 7,059 B Company, 1st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Field Force, South Africa, was despatched from the Army Post Office, Middleburg, Transvaal, on the 21st July, 1901, to the Officer Commanding, Benson's Column, and that the registered letter list was returned signed I. Hardmarsh, Lance Corporal; if so, will he state whether the Officer Commanding 1st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, has been able to obtain any satisfactory information as to the disposal of the registered letter after delivery to the military authorities; and, if not, will the person who registered the letter be compensated.

THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.

I am aware of the facts mentioned, and it is the case that, according to the information supplied by the Army Post Office, the Officer Commanding the 1st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was unable to obtain any satisfactory information as to the disposal of the registered letter in question after its delivery to the regiment. The registered letter passed out of the custody of the Postmaster-General on its reaching South Africa. It is consequently impossible that I should give compensation from Post Office funds.

MR. SLOAN

But who is responsible for seeing that registered letters reach their destination?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

The letter passed out of the control of the Post Office when it reached South Africa, and was taken charge of by the Army Post Office, over which I have no control whatever. The letter was delivered to the unit to which the regiment was attached, but as to what became of it subsequently the officer in command has been unable to get any satisfactory account.

MR. SLOAN

Then I may take it, it is immaterial whether a letter is registered or not.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)

Has not a receipt to be signed for it?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Yes. Speaking of this case from memory I believe the registered letters were duly delivered to the corporal acting as the Postal Orderly of the unit, who signed the receipt for them. It was a general receipt and the Commanding Officer is unable to trace this particular letter.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Is there to be no responsibility whatever on the part of the Post Office?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

The responsibility rests with the Military Post Office in South Africa, over which I have no control. Any further Questions should be addressed on the subject to the Secretary of State for War.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Have you no jurisdiction?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I do not see any reason for further communication with my Department.