HC Deb 14 November 1945 vol 415 cc2093-4
9. Major Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied that air mails for R.A.F. personnel serving in the Far East are arriving with regularity and celerity.

Mr. Strachey

Bad weather, especially the monsoon, has caused some delays, but letters are usually taking between five and nine days. This is about the best we can do for the present.

Major Boyd-Carpenter

Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that newspapers are taking an average of five weeks to India?

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir, but perhaps the hon. and gallant Member would put down a question on the matter.

Major Boyd-Carpenter

I can give the hon. Gentleman the facts.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Will the Under-Secretary of State bear in mind, in view of the great strain there is upon Transport Command in carrying both mails and passengers, that the proper margin of safety must not be overstepped?

Mr. Strachey

Of course. We cannot therefore yield to pressure which is trying to increase the rate of delivery.