§ 60. Sir W. Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Transport if he will give details of the mail train which was burnt out at Macclesfield on Monday, 8th June; and what compensation will be paid to the people whose letters have been destroyed.
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§ Mr. MarplesA fire occurred on Monday, 8th June, in a van on the 10.27 p.m. parcels train from Manchester (Mayfield) to London (Euston). Smoke was observed by a signalman, who took immediate steps to have the train stopped at Macclesfield, where the fire was quickly extinguished by the fire brigade. I understand that, although the damage to the van was confined to the charring of its interior woodwork, considerable damage was done to its contents, a consignment of mail which had been loaded at Stockport. The actual cause of the fire is not yet known and investigations are proceeding. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General that claims for compensation in respect of postal packets which have been destroyed will be dealt with in accordance with the Inland Post Regulations, 1963.