§ 25. Mr. NUNNasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that mails from London to Shanghai, via Siberia, now pass through Manchuria, and take 1222 only 15 to 16 days, but that mails from Shanghai to London are still sent via Vladivostok, and take 27 to 28 days; whether he can explain this anomaly; and what steps he is taking to get it corrected?
§ Sir K. WOODSo far as mails from London to Shanghai are concerned, the routing of the mails is as stated by the hon. Member, but the time of transit is from 16 to 19 days. The routing of mails sent from China is entirely a matter for the Chinese Post Office, but I understand that mails from Shanghai are not sent via Siberia, but via Suez or via North America, the time taken in transmission usually varying between 24 and 34 days.
§ Mr. NUNN; Will the right hon. Gentleman set on foot negotiations with the Chinese Government by which some coin promise might be reached as was arrived at sometime ago in connection with railway traffic with Peking and Mukden?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, Sir.