HC Deb 19 July 1912 vol 41 cc673-4
15. Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether post offices are allowed to accept cheques in payment of insurance stamps; and whether, if not, he will give instructions that they may do so in cases where the officials are satisfied that the cheque is genuine and the drawer good for the amount for which it is drawn?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Under the ordinary Post Office rule cheques are not accepted in payment of postage stamps, and in the case of Insurance stamps I do not think the invidious duty should be thrown upon postmasters of determining whose cheques should be accepted and whose refused. But I am arranging that large firms or companies who wish to purchase stamps in bulk may send cheques to the General Post Offices in London, Edinburgh or Dublin. I am in communication with the Insurance Commissioners with respect to the possibility of arrangements being made for the direct supply of large quantities of stamps by them in return for payment by cheque.

Lord R. CECIL

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it will not be possible to give a discretion to postmasters either to accept or reject cheques if they think it convenient?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I am afraid in any particular case where the postmaster was doubtful whether he ought to accept a cheque, and ultimately declined to do so, his relations with the person whose cheque was refused would become somewhat strained.