HC Deb 08 March 1937 vol 321 cc784-5
34. Mr. Day

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will give particulars of the number of mail-bag robberies that have taken place during the past 12 months; the number of persons prosecuted in connection with the same; and the amount of compensation, if any, that has been paid for the loss involved by such robberies during that period?

Major Tryon

During the 12 months ended 31st December last, mail-bags were stolen or tampered with in course of transit on 49 occasions, and seven persons were prosecuted and convicted in connection with mail-bag robberies. The total amount of compensation paid for the loss of registered letters and registered and unregistered parcels contained in the bags was about £565.

Mr. Day

Have all the safeguards which were recommended by the committee that investigated previous cases been put into effect?

Major Tryon

As the total number of mail-bags carried by rail alone is no less than 40,000,000 annually, the number lost from this cause is a very small proportion.

Mr. Day

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me an answer to my question as to whether the safeguards that were recommended by the committee have been put into effect?