HC Deb 01 April 1946 vol 421 c831
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lam caster (Mr. John Hynd)

With the permission of the House, I should like to make a brief statement on international postal services to and from Germany. These have been resumed, and will operate between Germany and all countries except Japan and its dependencies and Spain. The service is, for the present, limited to letters up to 10z. in weight and to non-illustrated postcards. Only messages of a personal and domestic nature may be sent; no business correspondence is yet allowed. All mail will be subject to censorship in Germany.

Mr. William Williams

Can the hon. Gentleman say anything with regard to the organisation of the trade union connected with the postal service in Germany?

Mr. Hynd

I am afraid I do not appreciate the full import of the question. It does not seem to relate to the reintroduction of the postal services.

Mr. Williams

I should like to know what form of organisation this is taking. Is it to be worked by German workers? If so, are they organised in the manner in which they used to be before the Nazi days?

Mr. Hynd

That is a rather wider matter. I do not think that it is connected with this question. Of course, the postal workers in Germany are being organised in trade unions.

Lieut.-Colonel Hamilton

Does that apply equally to all four zones in Germany?

Mr. Hynd

This refers to the postal services between Germany and the outside world.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

On what date will the services come into operation?

Mr. Hynd

They are already in operation.

Captain Francis Noel-Baker

What authority will carry out the censorship?

Mr. Hynd

The censorship will be carried out under the responsibility of the occupying authorities.