HC Deb 07 April 1949 vol 463 cc2205-6
55. Mr. Erroll

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many postal packets for overseas addresses have been intercepted which contained money or postal orders; and in how many cases the monetary contents were wholly or partly confiscated.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Since 1st October, 1947, there have been approximately 7,500 interceptions. Restoration has been made in some 1,200 cases while other cases are under consideration.

Mr. Erroll

Is not the confiscation which has taken place in the majority of these cases altogether too severe a penalty for what in most cases was an innocent breach of the regulations?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Where it has been an innocent breach of the regulations, and representations are made we have in almost every case, if not in every case, made restitution.

Mr. Erroll

Is the Minister aware that in many cases an appeal has been made and turned down and nothing is done further until the matter is taken up by a Member of this House?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

If the hon. Gentleman has any case of that kind in mind and he will send it to me I will look into it personally.