§ 24. Lieut.-Colonel Sir NORTON GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a King's Messenger leaves Paris daily by motor car for Havre with War Office bags, which are due at the War Office at 10.30 or there abouts the following morning, each journey costing, with wear, tear, and driver's wages, some £20 or more; and whether a more economical method of transmission can be found?
Captain GUESTA night service, involving the use of a car on the French side, is at present maintained, as it is the only way by which dispatches can leave the Peace Delegation at night and be received and dealt with in London the following morning, and vice versâ. A considerable part of the cost is offset by the saving which can be effected in the telegraph bill. The dispatches are not only for the War Office, but also for the Cabinet and other Government Departments. My hon. and gallant Friend can rest assured that the service will be suspended at the earliest possible moment.