§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) thefts and (b) unexplained losses of (i) letters arid (ii) parcels were recorded by the Post Office and how much compensation was paid by the Post Office in each case in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [12465]
§ Mr. Alexander[holding answer 12 November 2001]: This is an operational issue for Consignia.
I understand that Consignia is currently working with Postwatch on a system for measuring the loss and theft of mail and parcels.
Consignia holds figures on the number of complaints made with regards to alleged loss and theft for the previous two financial years.
Complaints on loss 2000–01 1999–2000 Letters 578,091 557,984 UK standard retail parcels 26,508 25,295 International standard retail parcels 18,510 16,031
Compensation paid (£k) 2000–01 1999–2000 Letters 6,134 5,192 UK standard retail parcels 234 n/a