39. Mr. PETOKasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the number of parcels lost in the post recently; whether this is due to theft on the part of members of the staff; how many claims for lost parcels are at present unsettled and the number at the corresponding date last year; whether he will take steps to see that claims are more promptly settled; and what steps he proposes to take to effect a remedy?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL(Mr. Illingworth)I am not aware of any recent increase in the number of parcels lost in the post, whether through theft or otherwise. Sometimes delay occurs on account of the inexperience of the temporary staff who deal with these claims. The figures for which the hon. Member asks are not procurable.