HC Deb 15 November 1945 vol 415 cc2294-5
3. Colonel Stoddart-Scott

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General when he estimates that prewar mail facilities will be restored between this country and Poland.

Mr. Burke

The letter post to Poland and the printed papers and sample posts have already been restored, and the resumption of the parcel post is under consideration. As in the case of other European countries the air mail service has been restored on a surcharge basis at the rate of 5d. for the first ounce and 3d. for each additional ounce, postcards 2½d. The restoration of the pre-war speed and frequency of postal communication depends upon the progress made in the restoration of the transport services.

Colonel Stoddart-Scott

Will the Ministersay when he thinks it is likely that the parcel post will be restored?

Mr. Burke

I understand that that concerns another Department, but we hope that it will not be long.

5. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to state when general postal facilities will be restored to Austria, Hungary, Germany, Albania and Luxemburg; and, particularly, whether air-mail services will be restored in the immediate future to these countries.

Mr. Burke

As indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Martin) on 10th October, general postal communication with Austria and Germany will be resumed as soon as the Allied Control Commissions give authority. I am still not in a position to say when this will be. I hope to be able to announce the resumption of air and surface mail services to Albania and Hungary in the near future. Postal communication with Luxembourg, by air and surface route, has already been restored.

Mr. Freeman

Will special consideration be given to the peculiar position of Austria which is now cut off from practically all contacts with other countries, and to the urgency of restoring these facilities to this country at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. Burke

I understand from the Allied Control Commission that there it is hoped very soon to be able to restore it.