HC Deb 05 July 1911 vol 27 cc1128-9
Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention had been drawn to the delivery, on 28th March, to a wrong address of a registered letter addressed Messrs. C. Clarke and Company, High Street, Chasetown; whether he was aware that this letter contained a formal notice abandoning a county court action brought against them, and that owing to their not receiving the same Messrs. Clarke attended at the court, and on the non-appearance of plaintiffs, who had sent the letter, were awarded costs amounting to £2 11s. l0d.; and, seeing that the non-receipt of such registered letter was entirely owing to the carelessness of his own officials, whether he would provide for the parties who had been mulcted in damages as a consequence being reimbursed from the public funds?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

This letter was duly taken to the right address, but no one's attention could be gained there. It was then handed to a tradesman next door, understood to be a brother of the addressees. It ought to have been taken back to the Chasetown Office, and sent out again at the next delivery, if not called for meanwhile. I am sorry the rule was not adhered to, though it was broken in order to meet what was thought to be the convenience of both senders and addressees. I am unable to accept liability for the costs which were awarded against the senders.

Mr. NEWMAN

What advantage does an individual get for registering a letter which does not contain money or valuables?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Security in transmission.

Mr. NEWMAN

But in this case he the not get security in transmission.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The letter was delivered to the correct address, but no one was there to receive it.