HC Deb 08 March 1927 vol 203 cc1045-6
62. Sir W. de FRECE

asked the Postmaster-General the number of parcels sent under the cash-on-delivery system which have been declined by the addressees; what is the cost of handling such return parcels; and what percentage of the whole number of parcels such refusals represent?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

About 20,000 cash-on-delivery parcels proved undeliverable during the period of 10 months ended 29th January, 1927. This figure includes parcels undeliverable for all reasons, and it is not possible to say how many were declined by the addressees. No accurate figure can be given of the cost of returning such parcels. The undeliverable parcels represent 2¼ per cent. of the total number of cash-on-delivery parcels posted during the period.

Colonel DAY

Is any charge made for the parcels that are returned?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

No. The Post Office retain the postage fee and the cash-on-delivery fee.