HC Deb 17 April 1918 vol 105 cc402-3
66. Mr. WATT

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that no mails from the soldiers in Palestine have been delivered in Glasgow, and probably in other parts of the country for more than three weeks, and that this circumstance has given rise to rumours of an unfortunate kind; and what is the reason of such delay?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Illingworth)

My attention has been drawn to this matter which I much regret. The transit of certain mails from Palestine through Italy and France has been delayed owing to events there. I hope those mails may arrive soon.

General McCALMONT

Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to arrange when delays of this kind occur in mails from any of the fronts, that some public announcement should be made, and thus allay considerable public anxiety?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

I will see if it is possible to do so, but, as a rule, we do not hear of them until it is too late. I will see what can be done in the matter.