§ 3. Mr. Godfrey Nicholsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Indian Post Office refuse all responsibility for a registered letter sent from this country to Mr. H. G. Hopkins, serving in His Majesty's Ship "Enterprise," in November last, which was lost in a fire which broke out on the Imperial Indian mail train on 11th December; and whether, in view of the fact that the fire which destroyed this packet cannot definitely be said to have been due to causes beyond the control of the Indian Post Office, he will see that the sender is properly compensated for the loss sustained?
§ Earl WintertonMy Noble Friend regrets that this is not a case in which he would be justified in interfering with the discretion of the authorities in India.
§ Mr. NicholsonWhile quite understanding that the Department is not legally obliged to pay any compensation for this packet, would my Noble Friend, in view of the hardship caused both to the sender and the expectant recipient, consider making an ex-gratia payment by way of compensation?
§ Earl WintertonIt will be my duty to convey my hon. Friend's suggestion to my Noble Friend, but the difficulty is that India is bound by the universal Postal Convention, and under that no compensation is payable in respect of any accident which is not caused by the fault of the conveying Government.
§ Mr. NicholsonI am merely asking for it as an act of grace.