§ Mr. BARNESasked the Postmaster-General what is the computed financial saving by substituting the use of mail bags for baskets in the conveyance of parcels; and has he considered the increased liability to breakage of goods entrusted by the public to the Post Office parcel post, and the menace to the health of the staff arising from the dirt and dust with which the bags become laden?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am unable at present to state what saving has been effected by the substitution. But it secures greater convenience in handling, economy in space, and reduction of the gross weight conveyed by mail van and motor services. Any increase of liability to breakage has, I need hardly say, been a consideration of the first importance, and experience shows that all articles packed in the manner for many years recommended by the Post Office are conveyed with safety. Dirt and dust are much less liable to lodge in sacks than in wicker receptacles, and the health of the staff is promoted in this respect by the change.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the disuse of baskets, cardboard boxes sent by parcel post are very commonly arriving at the destination in a battered and crushed condition?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI believe there has been a small increase in the proportion of cases of damage, but it is not an appreciable proportion.
§ Mr. T. O'DONNELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been several complaints from merchants of Ireland owing to their property being destroyed, and that some of them have ceased to send their goods by parcel post?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThere were several complaints from Ireland which came to my notice, and we made special 1535 arrangements, but I am not aware of any case in which a merchant has ceased to send his goods by parcel post.