§ Captain Bullockasked the Postmaster-General whether he is satisfied that everything possible is being done to ensure the careful treatment of parcels in transit; if he is aware that the use of strong light plastic containers would ensure greater safety than the present use of bags; and if he will bring to the attention of the public the desirability of plastic containers being adopted in the future.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingI can assure the hon. and gallant Member that all practicable steps are taken to ensure the careful handling of parcels in transit. The use of plastic containers, instead of bags, would make serious additional demands on accommodation at post offices, during transit on the railways, or in motor vehicles, and would add considerably to the cost of parcel post traffic. The number of complaints of damage to parcels is very small in relation to the number handled, and I am satisfied that the introduction of plastic containers instead of mail bags would not be justified. As regards the final part of the Question, the onus in this matter rests with the senders: the Post Office would have no objection to the use of suitable plastics for packing if the poster so desired.