§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMasked the Postmaster-General (1) whether the Post Office have succeeded in producing a foolproof stamp machine, and also one which will deal with the question of improper coins which are inserted into it;
(2) the extent to which improper coins are inserted into the stamp machines for the purpose of obtaining stamps; and what is the loss to the revenue by this means?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThe stamp machines used by the Post Office are considered to be generally satisfactory for their purpose, and are made to reject coins which do not conform to certain standards. The extent to which improper coins, discs, etc., are accepted by the machines is negligible having regard to the use made of the machines. The actual loss to the revenue is estimated at about £200 per annum.