§ 29. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the cash-on-delivery system is being used for sending unsolicited articles for which, payment is demanded from householders; and if he proposes to take any steps to stop this practice, for which the cash-on-delivery system was never intended?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONVery few cases of the kind have been brought to my notice. I do not think that there are any special steps which I could take in the matter and I doubt whether such are really necessary since the public can readily safeguard themselves, as no doubt most people do, by refusing goods which they have not ordered. In any case of attempted fraud the police authorities should be informed by the householder.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKIs my right hon. Friend aware of the great inconvenience that is caused by this practice, and, if this is going to be a growing practice, can he take some steps to stop it?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI hope it will not be a growing practice. Very few cases have come to my notice —less than half-a-dozen altogether—but in any event, if a case of attempted fraud is observed, the householder should inform the police at once.