§ Major KINDERSLEY(by Private-Notice) asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the great detriment to industry and employment caused by the holding up of the American mails, and what steps he is taking to ensure the delivery of those mails?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hartshorn)I am fully alive to the importance of this matter, and I very much regret the delay which has occurred in regard to the removal of the mails from Plymouth. The distribution of incoming mails throughout the country is essentially a national service, and the Government have taken the necessary steps to secure the smooth working of this service. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the steps which are being taken will ensure the removal of the mails referred to without any further delay.
§ Major KINDERSLEYMay I ask the Postmaster-General whose duty is it to move the mails from the quays to the trains?
§ Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNMay I ask whether the 5,000 bags of mails held up in Plymouth since Saturday and Sunday last are not in the possession of the Government and its agents; whether the Government are under contract for the delivery of those mails; and whether in times gone by it has not always been considered that mails go ahead of all strikes and are a national service?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNArrangements have been entered into with the shipping and railway companies for the bringing into this country of foreign mails, but in consequence of this dispute we have to deal with the arrangement as between the quay and the railway station, and such steps as are being taken are for the purpose of linking up between those two points. That is the matter with which we are dealing, and to which my answer refers.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWould the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to state whether the mails which were left by the liner at Plymouth on.Saturday last are still there, or whether they have yet left Plymouth?
§ Major KINDERSLEYI put a supplementary question to the Postmaster-General which I do not think has received any answer. I asked him who was responsible for removing the mails from the quay to the train.
§ Mr. HARTSHORNContracts exist between the shipping companies and the railway companies and the Post Office. It is the business of the shipping and railway companies to carry out those contracts. They have found some difficulty in doing so, and we are helping them in the matter.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINOn a point of Order—
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have allowed the hon. Member to put two or three questions.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINBut I have never had an answer.