HC Deb 19 April 1944 vol 399 c188
32. Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he will take steps to improve the service of mails to the Merchant Navy.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In consultation with my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General, I have made constant endeavours to improve the mail services to members of the Merchant Navy. Last December a Crew Mail Section was set up in my Ministry, and other new arrangements were brought into force. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend details of these arrangements, and I shall be glad to look into any specific complaints which he may have had.

Mr. Granville

Does that mean that the system of airgraphs is to be extended to the Merchant Navy?

Mr. Noel-Baker

At some points I think it does.

Viscountess Astor

Why has there been a wait of three years? There has been a shocking delay.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I cannot accept that criticism. We have been constantly working at the problem with the Admiralty, but the operational difficulties are very great indeed.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Is it not a fact that the naval control officers at the various ports have been doing very useful work in connection with this matter?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, and we are most grateful to the Admiralty for all the help they are giving.