EGYPT (AIR-MAIL RATES).

HC Deb 04 March 1940 vol 358 cc12-3

32. Mr. Glenvil Hall

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the possibility of accepting letters by airmail to members of the Forces of the Crown in Egypt at the rate of 1½d. per half-ounce, instead of at the rate of 1s.3d. per half-ounce instituted in September, 1939?

Major Tryon

I regret that owing to the limited aircraft accommodation available for the conveyance of air-mails on the Empire air routes, I am not in a position to reduce the air postage rate of 1s. 3d. per half-ounce for Egypt and other countries served by these routes even in the case of letters addressed to members of His Majesty's Forces.

Mr. Hall

Do I understand from the answer that the rate is still to be 1s. 3d.?

Major Tryon

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Hall

Could not some reduction be made? I realise that a full reduction is not possible in the circumstances, but 1s. 3d. for half an ounce is very high.

Major Tryon

We should be delighted to lower the rate and enable more letters to be sent, if the accommodation were available. The present rate is kept up because the accommodation is not available.