§ 84. Rear - Admiral Sir MURRAY SUETERasked the Postmaster-General whether it is his intention to abolish surcharges on air-mail correspondence to the continent of Europe?
§ Major TRYONIn extension of the policy instituted last year for the carriage by air within the United Kingdom, without surcharge, of first class mail which could be accelerated in delivery wherever suitable air services were available at reasonable cost, arrangements are being made with the co-operation of the Air Ministry for the conveyance of first class mail by air, at the ordinary foreign postage rates to Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. The object will be to ensure that, in general, letters and postcards addressed to the countries mentioned shall be despatched to their destinations by surface or air transport, whichever offers the quickest delivery, 1571 without the necessity for the use of air mail labels or other special action by the posting public. The payment of the existing surcharge on letters to these countries will thus be rendered unnecessary. An essential condition of the proposals is that at least 50 per cent. of such mail services, inward and outward, shall be performed by British aeroplanes. I hope that these new services will be in operation very shortly and detailed announcements will be made in due course.
§ Mr. MONTAGUEWill this apply to France?
§ Major TRYONIt applies to the countries I have mentioned in my reply—Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.
§ Sir W. BRASSWhy are France and Germany left out?
§ Major TRYONThat will be taken into consideration. As we are able to effect the services I take the earliest opportunity of announcing them to the House.