HC Deb 11 July 1934 vol 292 cc309-10
7. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which of the British Colonies or mandated territories have introduced the use of special air mail stamps or boxes; and whether there have been any developments in this respect in any of the Colonies or mandated territories during or since 1933?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

The use of special boxes for the collection of air mails is a matter for consideration by the local postal authorities. I am not aware of any developments in this respect during or since 1933. As regards the use of air mail stamps I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on the 8th of June, 1932, to the hon. and gallant Member for Blackpool (Captain Erskine-Bolst), of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

In view of the importance of encouraging Imperial air routes, will my right hon. Friend look into the matter and see if anything can be done?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I have looked into the matter, but there is no point in having a special air postage stamp. As I said in my previous answer, that would merely add to the postal costs. All air mail letters carry a blue air mail stamp under the Convention.