76. Mr. J. Hendersonasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been directed to the complaints arising from the excessive charges for cables to members of His Majesty's Forces serving in Iraq, and the hardship imposed on their relatives and friends; and will he take steps to reduce such charges to the level of those operating for the Forces serving in the Middle East?
§ The Postmaster-General (Mr. W. S. Morrison)I am aware of the complaints which my hon. Friend mentions, and the question of extending to Iraq the special service whereby telegrams may be sent at reduced rates to members of the Middle East Force is already being pursued.
Mr. HendersonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these complaints about excessive charges are fairly widespread, that only as recently as Saturday a man was charged 14s. yd. for a cable to his son, whereas the charge for the Middle East for the same number of words would have been 2s. 6d.; and will he do all he can to relieve the position?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am aware of these complaints, and I am doing all I can to provide a cheap service to Iraq, but there are certain difficulties of a diplomatic and security character to be overcome. I am hopeful that we shall overcome them.