§ 49. Mr. Benn Levyasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the Allied Control Commission will authorise the resumption of postal communications with Central Europe now that it is officially stated that facilties for a limited civilian air-mail service are practicable.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)I assume that the hon. Member is referring to Germany and Austria. At the end of hostilities there was a complete breakdown of internal services in these countries, including postal services. Strenuous efforts have, however, been made by the Allied Control Authorities to restart postal services for Germany and Austria. Internal services are already in operation. I hope that it will be possible in the case of Austria for postal communications with the outside world to be resumed in the very near future. The arrangements are practically complete. The position in Germany is more difficult and facilities do not yet exist for handling external mails on a large scale. I am afraid, therefore, that it will take somewhat longer before normal postal services between Germany and the outside world can be restarted. The British Authorities in Germany in consultation with those of the Allies arc fully aware of the importance of the matter and are doing what they can to hasten progress.
Vice-Admiral TaylorIs the Minister aware of the great hardship imposed on relatives in this country who cannot correspond with their relatives; and will he do everything possible to expedite postal communications?
§ Mr. HyndIt is because we are aware of that hardship that we are doing everything possible to speed-up these facilities.