HC Deb 19 April 1961 vol 638 cc1162-3
39. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Postmaster-General what proposals concerning security of mail on trains were agreed during the recent discussions between his Department, the Ministry of Transport, and the British Transport Commission.

40. Commander Kerans

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he has taken recently to improve mail security in trains.

Mr. Bevins

It would help the criminal world if I gave details of the steps that have been, and are being, taken in cooperation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and the British Transport Commission to improve mail security on trains. I can say, however, that they include changes in the stowage arrangements for mails on long-distance trains, and improved physical protection for the doors of guards' vans and the grilles of cages used for carrying mail.

I am fully alive to the need for completing all the work involved here as quickly as possible.

Mr. Jones

While thanking the Minister for that reply and assuring him that we are not unsympathetic about this very grievous problem, I feel obliged to say that I hope that other methods will be offered to the House to tighten up a very unsatisfactory position.

Mr. Bevins

I entirely agree that the precautions which have been taken have proved to be partially ineffective in recent times, but I assure the House that this matter has been taken most seriously by me and by the Ministry of Transport and by the British Transport Commission.

Mr. W. R. Williams

While appreciating that it would be unwise to disclose some of the methods which have been agreed upon between the respective Departments in regard to security, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will assure the House that he will try to vary the methods hitherto used by the Post Office in the labelling of bags so that the identification of bags containing valuables and registered letters will be made a little more difficult than it has been in the past?

Mr. Bevins

Without giving any information away at all, I assure the hon. Member that action has been taken.