§ 23. Sir P. Hurdasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the complaints of undue delay in the transit of Anglo-Canadian mails; and whether he will suggest to the Canadian postal authorities a joint enquiry into the means of accelerating the service and the handling of mails at both ends.
§ The Postmaster-General (Major Tryon)My attention has been drawn to complaints as to the length of time sometimes occupied in the conveyance of letters from this country to Canada during February and March last. The delays appear to have been due primarily to the lack of suitable sailings to North America in the middle of the week; but the position in this respect has since been very much improved. Responsibility for the despatch of mails from Canada to this country rests entirely with the Canadian Post Office, but I am having inquiry made and will, if necessary approach the Canadian Administration on the subject.
§ Sir P. HurdIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that this delay, in part at all events, often arises because of the dilatory manner in which the mail is handled at Southampton?
§ Major TryonThat is not my information, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I will gladly go into them. The main delay is due to the fact that sailings of these vessels in the middle of the week were not in operation in February and March, but now the Cunard-White Star Line have reverted to their 2691 former practice of despatching ships on Wednesdays, so that we can have two mails going to Canada every week.
§ Sir P. HurdIs it not a fact that the information available in Anglo-Canadian circles is that at times a whole day's delay is caused at Southampton by the dilatory manner of handling the mail there?
§ Major TryonI have no information to that effect.