asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if it is a fact that parcels coming from Germany over 11 pounds in weight are only forwarded to this country from London by a private forwarding agency, and if the Government will make representations to the German postal authorities that such parcels addressed to the Irish Free State should be delivered to this country without recourse to the private forwarding agents in London, and the necessity of the payment of agency charges.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forwarding of Parcels From Germany.
As the Deputy has already been informed, the maximum weight for parcel post in the Saorstát is 11 lbs. Parcels in excess of that weight can, therefore, only be sent from Germany, or from any other country abroad, by services outside the official parcel post service. The method of their despatch is one entirely for the German or other Administration concerned, and there are no grounds which would warrant the intervention of the Post Office in the matter.
I should like to ask the Minister if he is satisfied with that arrangement by which parcels over 11 lbs. in weight are left in London to be forwarded by unofficial agencies. I submit that it is a most unsatisfactory arrangement that parcels are only brought part of the way to this country.
Mr. Boland
All I can say is that the Post Office is not concerned with any parcel over 11 lbs. weight. It is a matter entirely for the German Post Office and the person to whom the parcel is being sent. The Saorstát Post Office does not accept any parcel over 11 lbs. in weight and therefore can take no responsibility.
The German authorities accept the parcels in their own country and then convey them to London. Is not that a most unsatisfactory arrangement? They might as well leave them in China.
Mr. Boland
I understand there are two direct routes by Bremen and by Hamburg. If the consignee wishes to wait long enough they can be sent by either of those routes; for quick despatch they are sent through London. It is entirely a matter for the people concerned, and not for the Post Office.
I suggest it is a matter for the Post Office authorities here that parcels sent from one country to another should be delivered in that country. Why should they be put out half-way? That is what I want the Minister to investigate, and not give the schoolboy's answer: "Please sir, it was not my fault."
Mr. Boland
Everybody knows that the Post Office has never accepted any parcel of greater weight than 11 lbs. I cannot tell the Deputy any more.
The Minister states what is practised here. In Germany they take parcels over that weight and bring them half way.
Mr. Boland
That is a matter for the German Post Office.