§ Mr. RICHARDSasked the Postmaster-General-how many sub-postmasters and mistresses have lost their offices through shortages of cash balances since 1908; how many were imprisoned through cash deficiencies during the same period, and the number dismissed and the number fined at the Police Courts; how many have been deficient in their cash and stock that are still in office; and whether any steps are being taken to prevent the holders of post offices using the cash balance in hand?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThere are more than 22,000 sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses in the United Kingdom, and it is not possible to say, without calling for special returns, how many of these have been reported since 1908 for cash deficiencies. A sub-postmaster who does not keep his accounts properly may show a2120W cash or stock deficiency which disappears on adjustment; but the matter would, in the first instance, be dealt with, as a matter of course, as an actual deficiency. Since 1908 there have been nineteen prosecutions for the misuse of official moneys, and in each case the person charged was convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment. I think that the standing procedure in regard to the check of stock and cash balances in sub-post offices sufficiently provides against the irregular use of official moneys.