HC Deb 18 March 1947 vol 435 cc181-2
36. Mr. Champion

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now make a statement about the possibility of an improvement in the Army Postal Service from India, which has been the subject of correspondence with the hon. Member for South Derbyshire since 2nd October, 1945, with particular reference to the case of Sergeant Bradshaw, in the course of which dates of the posting of letters in both directions and the receipts have been given showing clearly that there has been a failure amounting to a near breakdown in this service.

Mr. Bellenger

The general arrangements for postal services to and from the Forces in India are satisfactory, and there is no evidence of any widespread delay. The average time taken by Army Post Office mails to and from India during February was four and a half and four days respectively. Comprehensive inquiries have been made into Sergeant Bradshaw's case, which is exceptional, and the results have been communicated to my hon. Friend. Many of Sergeant Bradshaw's letters were posted through the Indian Civil Post Office, and not handled by the Army Postal Service.