§ 32. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked 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-BakerIn 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. GranvilleDoes that mean that the system of airgraphs is to be extended to the Merchant Navy?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAt some points I think it does.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI 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 BraithwaiteIs 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-BakerYes, Sir, and we are most grateful to the Admiralty for all the help they are giving.