HC Deb 12 April 1921 vol 140 cc910-1
32. Viscount CURZON

asked the Postmaster-General how long a parcel posted in France, Spain and Italy, respectively, takes to reach this country, and vice versa?

Mr. PEASE

The approximate times occupied in the actual transmission of parcel mails exchanged between the despatching and receiving offices in the United Kingdom and the countries specified by the hon. and gallant Member are as follow:

France 1 to 2 days.
Italy 4 to 9 days.
Spain 5 to 13 days.
The period between posting and delivery is in excess of these times; but it is impracticable to give a reliable estimate, as there is considerable variation in the time which is taken in the transmission of parcels in the inland services of those countries and in the performance of the Customs formalities.

Viscount CURZON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that parcels have taken as long as three months to get from this country to Italy and Spain? Can he possibly explain why they should take so long?

Mr. PEASE

Easily; the difference is entirely due to the French railways at the present time. Parcels go by two routes, and that means that by one route they are sometimes quicker by two or three days than by the other route.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Could not the Government establish a fast motor service?

Mr. PEASE

I should be very glad if it were possible for this to be done.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Does this refer to parcels going from capital to capital?

Mr. PEASE

I can give an instance to my hon. Friend. The times taken between London and the Spanish frontier vary by several days according to the route employed through France—via Bordeaux to Trun, or via Toulouse to Port Bon.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

My point was: What part of the country are you taking the time from London to the Spanish frontier, or how?

Mr. PEASE

As far as I know, this applies only to the foreign countries.

Mr. RAPER

In view of so serious a delay, is it not possible to send the parcels by aeroplane?

Mr. PEASE

I can only reply to my hon. and gallant Friend that there is no one more anxious than I am to adopt the aeroplane, if possible.