§ Sir W. Teelingasked the Postmaster-General why a telegram from Paris, announcing a delay in the arrival of the two sons of the President of Gabon at London Airport and addressed to Mr. B. Clout in Brighton, which reached Brighton at 11 a.m. on Maundy Thursday, was not delivered until that evening; why the Post Office rang a wrong number to inform Mr. Clout although he is in the telephone book, and then addressed the telegram to Alderman W. Clout, and now refuse to pay for the car sent to London Airport which could have been cancelled had the telegram been delivered in reasonable time; and whether he will take steps to insure the Post Office against claims arising from such incidents as these in Brighton.
§ Mr. BennThe facts are not quite in line with the statement of the hon. Member. The telegram in question was handed in at Paris at 11.22 a.m. on 31st March. It arrived at Brighton about 2 p.m. and was delivered to Mr. B. T. Clout's residence before 4 p.m. the same day. Earlier delivery by telephone might have been effected had not the officer concerned rung an incorrect number by mistake. A letter of apology for the delay was sent to Mr. B. T. Clout at his correct address but he was incorrectly addressed as Alderman B. T. Clout. I apologise for these errors but regret that I am unable to accept responsibility for any expense incurred by Mr. Clout. The question of the Post Office insuring against claims of this nature does not arise as the Post Office has never been liable for losses due to mistakes, delays or defaults in the transmission or delivery of telegrams.