HC Deb 26 November 1914 vol 68 cc1287-8
17. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Postmaster-General, whether he is aware of the delay occurring in the delivery of letters from the front, extending to seven and even ten days; whether such delay is due to the Censor in London; and can he accelerate delivery?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hobhouse)

So far as the Post Office is concerned, there is no delay in the delivery of correspondence received in this country from the British Expeditionary Force. The question of the censorship of the correspondence concerns the military authorities and is not under my control.

83. Sir ALFRED MOND

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to extend free railway carriage to parcels addressed either to units or individuals serving in the Expeditionary Force when they are consigned on behalf of poor relatives by properly constituted and recognised organisations, newspaper offices, etc.?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

The same considerations apply to railway parcels as were stated by my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General in relation to postal parcels in the general answer he gave to various Members on the 23rd instant. The military authorities in France are, I regret to say, unable to undertake the work of separating and distributing to the individual addresses large joint consignments sent out by agencies. Parcels have unfortunately already gone astray by unauthorised attempts to send parcels in this way.