37. Miss RATHBONEasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that air mail letters to Majorca which used to be sent via Marseilles are now only carried if marked via Rome; by whose authority has this change of postal arrangements been made; and whether this involves any censorship of correspondence by the Italian authorities?
§ Major TRYONNo air snail service from this country to Majorca is advertised. I understand that an air service 25 was started recently between Rome and Majorca, but it has not been notified as available by the Italian Post Office. One or two members of the public who have applied to be allowed to send letters to Majorca by this route have been permitted to do so.
Miss RATHBONEIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that correspondence used to be sent via Marseilles, and can he say why it has been changed? Is he further aware that Majorca is virtually in Italian occupation and that the diversion of correspondence round by Rome may entail very serious and unpleasant consequences for any inhabitants of Majorca who happen to express sympathy with the lawful Government in Spain?
§ Major TRYONThe hon. Member has been seriously misinformed. This traffic has not been transferred round by Italy. The normal course with air mail correspondence going to Majorca would be to forward it by the ordinary route, but in the absence of any available air service at present, these mails go by France for onward transmission by sea from Marseilles, apart from occasional all-sea opportunities from this country.