§ 65. Colonel Sir VANSITTART BOWATERasked the Postmaster-General, in view of the delay in delivering the air mail from India and the fact that on many occasions the mail delivered in the ordinary way is delivered quicker than by the more expensive air route, whether he will take all possible steps to accelerate the deliveries by air?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThe incoming Indian air mail has been delayed on several occasions this winter owing to exceptionally bad weather conditions, particularly in the Mediterranean, but I am not aware of any instance in which the mail has taken as long or longer in transit than the ordinary mail. The hon. Member will appreciate that the posting days in India for the air and ordinary routes are not the same, but if he will be good enough to let me have particulars of the specific delays he has in mind, I shall be glad to make inquiries.
§ Sir V. BOWATERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, although the mail usually arrives on the Wednesday, it is not delivered until the Friday, which does not give time for a reply to be sent by the mail which leaves on Monday?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHI do not think that the hon. Member's facts are accurate.
§ Sir V. BOWATERIf I send the hon. Gentleman particulars, will he go into the matter?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITH indicated assent.
§ Sir V. BOWATERI shall be glad to do so.