§ 30. Sir JOHN WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the long delays in delivery of mails for China by the Siberian route; what is the reason for the delay; and if he can make representations to the Governments concerned for speedier delivery?
§ Sir K. WOODMy attention has been drawn to the matter. In consequence of political conditions in the Far East, mails for China sent via Siberia are not forwarded through Manchuria but are transmitted via Vladivostok and Japan. There are only three sailings a month from Vladivostok to Japan, and the dispatches from this country are arranged to connect with those sailings. So far as the last part of the question is concerned, I would suggest that my hon. Friend addresses himself to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
§ Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNECan my right hon. Friend tell me why there has been such unusual delay recently?
§ Sir K. WOODNo; I will make inquiries and let my hon. Friend know.