HC Deb 13 July 1966 vol 731 cc1441-2
2. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Postmaster-General, what reply he has sent to the communication from the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters, whose membership is around 23,000, which has demanded greater protection against raiders, and flogging as a punishment for crimes of violence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Joseph Slater

Representatives of the Federation have been invited to meet my right hon. Friend's security advisers to discuss what more can be done to protect sub-post office staff. The Federation made no reference to flogging.

Sir C. Osborne

Does not the Minister feel for the sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses, especially in the rural areas, who have been brutally beaten up? Since these thugs continue with their work, ought not some punishment to be administered to them to stop them?

Mr. Slater

In regard to the latter part of that supplementary question, punishment for these crimes is a matter not for the Post Office but for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department. In regard to the sub-postmasters and what we are able to do, I can tell the hon. Member that in view of the telegram that was sent, a meeting is taking place today between the Secretary of the Sub-Postmasters' Association and the Director of Postal Services on this matter.

Mr. Whitaker

While sympathising with the Federation as regards the second part of the question, may I ask my hon. Friend to send to the Federation, and to the hon. Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne), a copy of the Report of the Advisory Committee on the Treatment of Offenders, which unanimously rejected flogging both as being counter-effective and on merit?