HC Deb 02 November 1949 vol 469 cc391-2
61. Mr. Bartlett

asked the Postmaster-General why an inquiry about the non-delivery of a registered letter has to be accompanied by a 3d. stamp.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

The charge is made to cover part of the cost involved in proving delivery. If the registered letter under inquiry has not been delivered the fee is returned.

Mr. Bartlett

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last July, for example, two registered letters which I posted went astray and cost me several pounds, and that when they were finally delivered no explanation or apology of any sort was made; and surely the person who registers a letter is entitled to expect that it should be delivered and that he should not be called upon to pay for it if it is delivered late?

Mr. Paling

I am sorry that the hon. Member has had such an experience, but it quite frequently happens that the letter has been delivered and it is necessary that we should charge this fee.

Mr. Bartlett

If the letter is delivered with a delay of ten days, has the person who posted it no redress whatever?

Mr. Paling

If the hon. Member has a question of that kind he had better let me have it.