HC Deb 03 February 1943 vol 386 c874
17. Mr. Hogg

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of aircraft allotted to the Army postal authorities for the transmission of the different categories of personal air-mail to the Middle East and North Africa; and whether he is prepared to authorise a small increase in the number of aircraft so allotted?

Sir A. Sinclair

Aircraft are not specially allocated for the carriage of troop mail to the Middle East, but capacity on the air services is regularly earmarked for the carriage of mails. In view of the heavy military loads requiring urgent conveyance by air, I cannot at present undertake to increase the space available for air mail traffic. For similar reasons, it has not yet been practicable to arrange for the carriage of troop mail by air to and from North Africa. There has, however, been and there will continue to be a growth in the capacity of our transport services to Africa, and the importance of carrying more mail to the troops is fully realised.

Mr. Bellenger

Has the right hon. Gentleman any transport planes suitable for carrying mails?

Sir A. Sinclair

Yes, Sir.