§ Mr. C. WHITEasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the incorrect weights or scales in use at the Bath Street Post Office, Ilkeston, in consequence of which persons 682W despatching parcels have been in several instances overcharged; whether he is aware that in one instance the post office weights were found wrong and in favour of the Postmaster-General to the extent of over three ounces, in another instance to the extent of over two ounces against the sender of the parcel, and that in several instances at the head post office at Ilkeston the weights in use were one-and-a-half ounces in favour of the Postmaster-General; and whether, under these circumstances, he will make arrangements whereby the weights in use at all post offices shall be examined and tested by properly certified inspectors, appointed by the county or local authorities, thus providing that the public shall be safeguarded from overcharges.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe scales at the Bath Street, Ilkeston, and Ilkeston Sub-Post Offices were reported to be inaccurate in June last, and were withdrawn and new scales supplied. I am informed that the scales now in use at both offices are correct.
The weights and scales are periodically tested by officers of the Post Office, and there are standing instructions that any case in which there is reason to suspect inaccuracy should at once be reported. Complaints of inaccuracy are exceedingly rare, but I am considering whether the services of the local Inspectors of Weights and Measures could with advantage be utilised.