HC Deb 27 April 1926 vol 194 cc1844-6
70. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Postmaster-General whether, for the purpose of protecting the public, he will consider issuing a Regulation that senders of articles cash-on-delivery should sign a declaration that the consignment in question is being forwarded in response to a bona-fide order?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

A Regulation of the nature suggested by my hon. Friend was in force for some years in the cash-on-delivery services with British Colonies. It was abolished because practical experience showed it to be unnecessary. The public can safeguard themselves by refusing to accept parcels of goods which they have not ordered.

73. Colonel DAY

asked the Postmaster-General the number of complaints received of the abuse of the cash-on-delivery system, in so far as the delivery of unordered goods is concerned; and whether he will consider legislation with a view to dealing in an effective manner with offenders who take such advantage of the system?

62. Sir WALTER de FRECE

asked the Postmaster-General if he has received any complaints of abuse of the cash-on-delivery system in connection with the sending to householders of unordered goods?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I will answer these questions together. I have received a few such complaints; but I do not, as at present advised, consider that legislation is necessary, since the public can readily safeguard themselves, as no doubt most people do, by refusing goods which they have not ordered.

Colonel DAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman state the number of complaints he has received, which is asked for in the question?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I cannot do that off-hand, but really there have been very, very few.

Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that already cases have occurred where members of a family have been away from home, and other members, who did not know whether the goods had been ordered, have accepted them?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I think, perhaps, the hon. Member will see that it is necessary to gain a little experience of the working of this system. If experience shows that such a Regulation is necessary, it will be made.