45. Mr. PRESTONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that British traders are seriously hampered by the fact that letters from this country to Italy are held up for months in the Italian Post Office; is this fact well-known to the British Embassy and Consulates in Italy; have these, in consequence, offered to assist in the delivery and distribution of British mails in Italy, but their offer has been declined; is he aware that there are now in Genoa 14 railway wagons full of undelivered British mails which have accumulated since March; and does he propose to take action which will remove this hindrance in trade with our Ally?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no information in the sense suggested in the first four parts of my hon. Friend's question. I understand that the Italian Post Office are taking all possible steps to carry on an efficient postal service, but have been hampered by repeated strikes.
Mr. PRESTONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether a Report has not been received from our Embassy in Italy, that the delay in delivering British mails in Italy is deliberate and is due to the strong political feeling there against this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think we have any information from our Embassy to that effect, but I will make inquiries.