HC Deb 29 June 1903 vol 124 cc789-90
MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War 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 J. Hardmarsh, lance-corporal; whether he can state what has become of this letter; and, if not, will the person who registered the letter be compensated.

MR. BRODRICK

The loss of this letter has been the subject of communications with the War Office. The letter cannot be traced. No responsibility whatever can be accepted by the War Department for the non-delivery of letters on active service.

MR. WOOD (Down, E.)

Seeing that the lance-corporal is still in the service have any inquiries been made of him?

MR. BRODRICK

It is of no use making inquiries now.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

This was a registered letter. Do the War Office absolutely refuse all responsibility for registered letters?

MR. BRODRICK

We can only use our best endeavours to trace them.

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

Was any champagne consigned to officers lost?