HC Deb 05 September 1940 vol 365 cc22-3
38. Sir I. Albery

asked the Secretary of State for War what facilities have now been arranged for reducing the charges for money remittances by cable to troops serving in Malta or any other stations where a regular mail service cannot at present be relied on?

Mr. Law

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General that while it is not practicable to reduce the cost of transmitting telegraph money orders to Malta, special arrangements are being made for a more expeditious method of advising ordinary money orders, which should result in a much speedier service and go far to render unnecessary the transmission of money orders to Malta by telegraph.

Sir I. Albery

Can my hon. Friend say what measures he proposes to introduce, as great hardship at present exists and people have to pay as much as four or five shillings in order to send £2?

Mr. Law

I am afraid that for obvious reasons I cannot yet give details of the measures proposed, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the great expense which he describes will not be characteristic of the new arrangements.

Sir I. Albery

How are the people concerned to know what steps they can take, when there is no notice given to them?

Mr. Law

When these arrangements have been completed, fuller information will be given, and they are being made now.

Mr. Gallacher

If the Minister would pay the men sufficient wages, there would be no need to send them remittances.