§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Postmaster-General how it happened that a mailbag containing registered postal packages was handed over to an unauthorised person at a West-end branch office on Saturday, 13th July; whether a written authorisation has to be presented before such packages are handed over; and, if not, whether he will explain why this precaution is not observed?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHEvery postman engaged on collection duties in London carries a written authorisation; and the Post Office staff have explicit instructions to inspect the authorisation before handing over letters to a postman unless he is known to them to be the authorised collector. In the case to which my hon. Friend refers, the counter officer neglected to observe this precaution.