§ Mr. Tilneyasked the Postmaster-General why no official statement was made concerning the damage to a large number of mail bags on 18th February on the 10.35 p.m. Liverpool to Crewe train; how much damage was done; how 144W many letters for the south of England and overseas were destroyed; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Edward ShortNo statement was issued because reports appeared the next day in many national newspapers. 100 bags of mail were damaged, some severely. All the damaged mail has been examined and about 25,000 salvaged letters have been forwarded to addressees or returned to senders. Some letters were completely destroyed. It is not possible to say how many were for the south of England and overseas.