§ 32. Sir G. FOXasked the Postmaster-General what was the number of postal robberies during 1933 and the first five months of 1934, respectively; how many of these were carried out during the transit of mail by railway trains or at railway stations; what are the total losses involved; and whether any new steps are contemplated to cope with mail robberies in mail vans on trains?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Bennett)During the year 1933, mail bags were stolen or tampered with in course of transit on 49 occasions. On 48 of these occasions the loss is believed to have occurred on the railway. The corresponding figures for the first five months of this year are 22 and 20 respectively. It is not possible to state the total loss involved, as there is no record of the value of the contents of letters carried; but in the great majority of cases the loss seems to have been trifling. Very close attention is being given to measures for the prevention of such losses; and the recent convictions of mail bag thieves will doubtless act as a useful deterrent.
§ Sir G. FOXWill the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of keeping these postal packages in mail vans separate from other luggage, because thieves seem to get into large orates in the vans, and then let themselves out and steal mail bags?
§ Sir E. BENNETTThat matter is under consideration.