§ 62. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that on 21st January last a telegram sent to Perak failed 234 to reach its destination; that on 24th February last intimation was given of this failure and an explanation asked for from the Post Office authorities concerned; that, apart from the usual formal acknowledgments, no reply was received until the Nth November, when a printed form was sent agreeing to reimbursement, to which a few words were added expressing the authorities regret for the failure of the telegram; and that, after a period of over eight months, no explanation whatsoever has been offered as to the cause of the failure or as to where this failure occurred; and whether he will have this matter inquired into?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe telegram to which my hon. Friend refers was duly telegraphed from this country on 21st January but, unfortunately, went astray during its transit through India. The Report furnished to my Department by the Indian authorities does not explain the cause of the failure, but states that they have dealt suitably with the persons to blame. The complaint was under investigation in India from March to October, and the Report of the Indian authorities did not reach my Department until 5th November. The loss of the telegram and the long time taken over the inquiry are most regrettable, but they were not due to circumstances under my control. I regret that a printed form was used for the reply to the complaint, and I have given instructions that such a form should not in future be used in a case of this kind.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill the right hon. Gentleman again make inquiries in order to see where the fault lies? It seems disgraceful that it should be hung up for a whole year.
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONIt is very regrettable, and, if the hon. Gentleman specially desires me to do so, I will adress a communication to the Indian authorities.