HC Deb 12 May 1965 vol 712 cc487-8
1. Mr. Blaker

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will refund to a company, particulars of which has been sent to him, the sum of £196 2s. 2d., the cost of postage on items which were delayed in delivery for twelve days owing to the negligence of the Post Office, thus losing substantial business for the company concerned.

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Joseph Slater)

My right hon. Friend is sorry that he cannot alter the decision already conveyed to the hon. Gentlemen and the company.

Mr. Blaker

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a case in which the negligence of the Post Office is admitted and 23,000 football pool coupons failed to reach their destination until after the date when half the matches to which they referred had been played? Does not he agree that in such a case a reputable private firm would seek to make amends to its customers, and, if his right hon. Friend will not make a refund, will he at least use the powers he possesses to allow the company the appropriate amount of free postage?

Mr. Slater

All these facts were made known to my right hon. Friend in correspondence from the hon. Gentleman, and we are of opinion that it would be quite impracticable to accept the general principle that postage should be refunded when there are delays in the post. In this particular instance, one of the two coupons enclosed with the delayed letters arrived in good time to serve its purpose, and the postage paid was no more than would have been due had this coupon been the sole content of the letters.

Mr. Blaker

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

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