49. Mr. ALAN SYKESasked the Postmaster-General what steps he is taking to improve the postal arrangements with the Dardanelles, in view of the delays that are at present taking place?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)It is not clear to what extent deficiencies in the postal service to the Dardanelles are due to causes within the control of the Post Office, and to what extent they arise from the difficulties with which the naval and military authorities are confronted in transporting the mails from the bases to the front. I am taking steps to review the whole of the existing arrangements, and will make a statement as soon as I am in a position to do so.
Mr. SYKESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the country there is a feeling that there is very grave mismanagement on the part of the postal authorities in connection with the Dardanelles post, and also a feeling that there is a great deal of peculation going on because parcels especially, and also letters, are arriving very irregularly in very small quantities?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI know there are deficiencies in the service, and I am far from satisfied with it. As I said in my answer, it is not clear whether these deficiencies are due to causes within the control of the Post Office and affecting the mail while in the hands of the Post Office, or whether they are due to causes affecting the mails after they leave the Post Office and are handed over to the naval and military authorities at the Dardanelles. I have heard that there are cases of theft from the mails, and inquiry which is being made on the spot will cover that matter also.