HC Deb 12 July 1926 vol 198 cc38-9
61. Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that 68,115 deposits were returned to owners through the Metropolitan lost property office; and whether he will consider whether this office could be made self-supporting by requiring all owners to pay a small fee when property is restored to them?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

A fee is already charged in the case of articles found in public carriages, and is paid by way of reward to the driver or conductor who deposited the article. The question of charging a fee towards the expenses of the Lost Property Office is under consideration.

Mr. HADEN GUEST

Is it possible to keep the office open a little later in the evening and not close it at four o'clock? It would he very much to the public convenience if the office might be kept open later.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The office is to be moved during the autumn to more commodious premises, and I will consider whether an alteration in regard to hours can be made.

Mr. BASIL PETO

Will that involve working more than seven hours a day?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

It might.