HC Deb 19 March 1931 vol 249 cc2138-9
47. Mr. T. LEWIS

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the delay caused by the fact that there is no office at Southampton for the stamping of documents; and if he will consider the reopening of a Government stamp office in that town?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

The interval of time which elapses between the presentation of documents for stamping and their return is not, I am advised, greater at Southampton than at many other towns similarly circumstanced—and is in any case not considerable. I regret that I am unable to agree to reopen the office, which was closed in the interests of national economy on the ground that the volume of work was insufficient to employ a full-time staff.

Mr. LEWIS

Cannot these documents be sent back by return of post instead of being kept for two days, or over weekends, and sometimes four days?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I am sure that there is no unnecessary delay, but, if my hon. Friend finds there is delay, and will furnish me with cases where there has been delay, I will have the matter looked into.

Forward to