HC Deb 29 March 1950 vol 473 cc380-1
23. Mr. Daines

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a London football club has lost money and tickets in the post; and if he will make a statement.

24. Mr. Irving

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a football club has lost both tickets and money in the post; and what action he proposes to take to investigate this matter.

25. Mr. Harry Wallace

asked the Postmaster-General what action he has taken upon the complaints made to him by the directors of the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club that they have lost values due to dishonesty of Post Office servants.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Prior to the recent statements in the Press, no complaints from the directors of the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club regarding losses in the post had reached the Post Office. Immediately the statements in the Press came to my notice, the directors of the club were invited to furnish such details as would enable any losses in the post immediately to be investigated. A meeting with representatives of the football club took place yesterday and information regarding certain alleged losses in the post has now been provided. The club has produced no evidence of posting by registered post tickets which they allege were not delivered. A full investigation is now continuing.

Mr. Irving

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is growing discontent about the distribution of tickets by football clubs, particularly by the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, which happens to be in my constituency, and that I receive more complaints than any other Member in the House? Would the Minister hold a further inquiry and, if necessary, call upon the hon. Member for Wood Green to give evidence on this matter?

Mr. Ness Edwards

In the seven cases in which it was alleged that registered packets had been lost in the post it was proved that the packets had been received on the football club's premises.

Sir H. Williams

On a point of Order. Is not an hon. Member supposed to be responsible for any statements contained in his Question?

Mr. Wallace

Can my right hon. Friend say when the investigations will be completed, and whether the directors will be asked to make a statement founded upon the results of the investigations and give it the same publicity as they gave to their charges?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I do not want to prejudge the results of this inquiry, but I hope that justice will be done by all concerned.