HC Deb 14 March 1984 vol 56 cc162-3W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken by the Post Office to reduce losses due to pilferage.

Mr. Trippier

Theft from the post is investigated by the Post Office investigation department and offenders are prosecuted. The available evidence points to the lowest incidence of theft occurring while the mail is in the Post Office's direct possession. All major sorting offices have watching galleries, which act as a detective aid and also as a deterrent. Operational measures include scheduled and snap inspection of the mail service and internal campaigns reminding staff of the need for maximum mail security. There is a continuing dialogue between the Post Office and its chief carrier—British Rail—to improve the security of mails in transit and the investigation department works closely with the British Transport police. Over the past few years the department has been computerising its crime records, and has recently acquired a larger computer so more records can be held, so that patterns of crime can be quickly identified leading to swift detection of offenders.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why the Post Office keeps no record of complaints about pilfering; if he will now ask it to do so; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Trippier

Since postal packets can go astray or become damaged for a variety of reasons, only one of which is theft, it is not possible to identify which of those items reported lost or damaged have been subjected to pilfering. Where there is suspicion that a crime has been committed the case is referred to the Post Office investigation department. Problems connected with pilfering fall within the operational responsibilities of the Post Office by virtue of the powers contained in the Post Office Act 1969. It is therefore not a matter which my right hon. Friend has powers to intervene.