HC Deb 19 February 1941 vol 369 cc172-3W
Sir J. Mellor

asked the Postmaster-General the method of disposal of parcels which cannot be delivered to the addressees, and the senders of which cannot be traced; and whether such disposal is for the exclusive benefit of the Crown?

Mr. W. S. Morrison:

Parcels which cannot be delivered, or returned to the senders, are, unless they contain perishable articles, retained for at least three months pending application from the sender or addressee. The contents, unless clearly valueless, are subsequently sold by public auction. All amounts realised are normally applied to the benefit of the Crown. If, however, a belated application can be connected with an article or articles sold, an appropriate amount is remitted to the applicant.