§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Postmaster-General whether more complaints have been received from the public respecting damaged parcels since the substitution of bags for baskets for the conveyance of the same; what is the computed financial saving due to the alteration; and were the increased possibilities of damage to the contents of parcels entrusted to the Post 1784W Office, and the probable detrimental effects on the health of the staff caused through the bags harbouring greater quantities of dust and dirt than did baskets, taken into consideration before the change was given effect?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELOwing to decentralisation of the work of dealing with claims for compensation for damage it is not possible to give any exact figures with regard to complaints of damage to parcels, but I have no reason to think that there has been any appreciable increase as a result of the more extended use of bags. As regards the remainder of the hon. Member's question, I beg to refer him to the answer which I have given to a similar question on 14th August, a copy of which I will send him.