27. Mr. Arthur Duckworthasked the Postmaster-General the reasons for the serious increase in claims met for entire loss in respect of registered letters and parcels as between 1940–41 and 1941–42; and what steps have been taken to check any further increase in these losses?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe increase in payments of compensation for loss of registered letters and registered parcels arises mainly from the increase in thefts of mails while in course of transit. Such thefts are facilitated by war-time conditions and particularly by the effects of the black-out. I was seriously concerned at the increase which took place in 1941–42 and have taken every practicable step to improve the position. The supervision at railway stations and elsewhere has been strengthened and the railway companies have co-operated with the Post Office in other preventive measures. The matter continues to receive my closest attention.