asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that a parcel of 360 chrysanthemum plants posted by a firm in Worthing, Sussex, to a firm in Dublin on the 13th April last arrived in Dublin on the 14th April, that all import regulations, health certificate, etc., were complied with and that notwithstanding the fact that the parcel was labelled "perishable" it was not delivered to the consignee until the 24th April with the result that a total loss of £6 10s. 6d., plus the saleable value, was incurred by the consignee; further, that no advice note to collect the parcel was received; and whether, in view of the loss and inconvenience caused due to the delay in delivery within a reasonable time, he will grant the consignee compensation and take steps to ensure that such delays will not occur in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Parcel Post Delay.
The parcel in question was received in Dublin on Good Friday, the 16th April. Because of the heavy volume of parcel traffic during the Easter period and the intervention of the Easter holidays the parcel was not cleared through the customs until the 23rd April.
Compensation is not normally payable in respect of deterioration due to delay of perishable parcels in the postal service with Great Britain but, in view of the exceptional circumstances in this case, I am arranging for payment of £2 compensation, the maximum amount allowable in respect of an unregistered parcel.