§ Mr. Grovesasked the Postmaster-General whether he accepts full responsibility for the high-frequency apparatus surrendered by medical practitioners to his Department in accordance with a recent order prohibiting their use or possession, with certain exceptions or does such impounded apparatus still remain at the risk of the doctors concerned?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonFor reasons of national security an Order was made by the Secretary of State prohibiting the possession or use of certain high frequency apparatus, except under permit. In order to assist owners, who were not eligible for the grant of a permit and might otherwise have been unable to dispossess themselves of their apparatus without difficulty and loss, an option was given them to deposit the apparatus with the Post Office. Those who availed themselves of the option constituted the Postmaster-General a bailee of the apparatus, and in that capacity his obligation is to take reasonable and proper care of the property committed to his charge. He is not however liable for damage produced by causes beyond his control, which remains at the risk of the owner and should be covered by insurance.