HC Deb 14 November 1939 vol 353 cc519-20
32. Mr. Hannah

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the large number of skilled Post Office employés now serving with His Majesty's Forces; and will he consider whether their special qualifications can be used to make the field post office arrangements more efficient?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The Postal Services, Royal Engineers, are staffed by specialist postal employés, and there is a waiting list of such men from which all requirements can be met.

71. Mr. Ammon

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that four parcels, properly addressed to a soldier with the British Expeditionary Force, over a period of six weeks, have not been delivered, which is causing anxiety to the soldier and to his friends at home; and what steps does he propose to take to remedy such a delay?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The hon. Member gives me no chance of identifying the facts to which he refers.

Mr. Ammon

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that he acknowledged only the other day the receipt of a letter from me dealing with these facts and that I raised this question last week?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The hon. Gentleman is surely not suggesting that he has sent me particulars of this case?

Mr. Ammon

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that I sent him letters from the man and the man's mother and that he has acknowledged them?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I particularly asked whether such a letter had been received from the hon. Gentleman, and I was told not. If it has been received I sincerely apologise to the hon. Gentleman, but I did ask that question.

Mr. Herbert Morrison

Is it really impossible for the right hon. Gentleman to blame the German wireless for this mistake?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

As far as I understand there is no mistake except that I have not received the particulars.