HC Deb 12 July 1898 vol 61 c654
MR. AIRD (Paddington, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if the Post Office can arrange for an additional postal service to and from Egypt during the military operations in the Soudan?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. R. W. HANBURY,) Preston

Under present arrangements there are at least three regular despatches in the week to Egypt; in most weeks there are four or even five. There are four arrivals in the week from that country, and in some weeks five. The Postmaster General has received no representations indicating a need for more frequent communication. He is, moreover, not aware of any additional opportunities which he could advantageously use for exchanging mails with Egypt; and to establish a special mail service under contract would doubtless entail greater expense than the circumstances of the case would warrant.