HC Deb 05 April 1922 vol 152 cc2239-40
73. Mr. CAIRNS

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that Mrs. J. H. Austin, of Stakeford, Northumberland, has received £2 0s. 3d. for a lost registered letter that she sent to her husband, J. H. Austin, able-bodied seaman, Royal Navy, who was in Gibraltar hospital, and that the letter was worth £5; and, if so, will he inquire the cause of £2 Os. 3d. being paid to Mrs. Austin for a letter worth £5?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)

The registration of a letter for a place abroad, unlike registration in the inland service, does not include insurance. As explained in the published Regulations, it entitles the sender to a fixed indemnity in the event of the loss of the letter, irrespective of the value of its contents. The amount paid to Mrs. Austin in the case to which the hon. Member refers represents the fixed indemnity of £2 together with the sum paid by her as an inquiry fee.

Mr. CAIRNS

Why should this widow lose £2 19s. 9d. through the Post Office— upon what authority or rule?

Mr. PEASE

If my hon. Friend reads the answer, he will see that I have exactly answered that particular question.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Does not the ordinary registration fee cover up to a limit of £5?

Mr. PEASE

There is a difference between the questions of insurance and of registration.

Mr. CAIRNS

Then people are not sure when sending money to a soldier friend or husband?