§ Mr. BASIL PETOasked the Postmaster-General the reason why no postmarks are now placed upon letters showing the date on which they passed through the office of destination; and whether he is aware that this deprives the recipient of any proof to substantiate unjustifiable delay in the post?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe date-stamping of correspondence at the office of destination was discontinued some years ago mainly on grounds of economy. It could not be re-introduced except at considerable expense, and at the cost of delaying the commencement of deliveries, and in many cases severing connections at intermediate offices. Any advantage which would accrue by way of fixing the responsibility for delays would be relatively slight, as it is still the rule that missent letters should be date-stamped at the office where they are received out of course.