§ 18. Sir A. Southbyasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the Ex-Services Welfare Society, much of whose work is done at Leatherhead, has, since October, 1939, lost at least 137 letters in the post containing £217 7s. 10d. in donations, and that, although some subscribers have replaced their donations, the result of this theft of postal packets in transit has meant a loss to the society of at least £108, which it can ill afford to bear; and what action has been taken?
§ Captain WaterhouseThe losses referred to have for some time been the subject of special inquiry by officers of the Investigation Branch of the Post Office. Certain proceedings are pending, which may have a bearing on these losses. I realise and regret the inconvenience and financial loss occasioned to the society.
§ Sir A. SouthbyCan my hon. and gallant Friend make any suggestion which would help to obviate the danger of these losses in the future?
§ Captain WaterhouseI think that if those who are good enough to subscribe to these and similar societies did so by crossed cheque or by crossed postal order, these pilferings would disappear.