HC Deb 20 November 1946 vol 430 c826
4. Mr. Pickthorn

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the average and the maximum time now taken by sea mail to and from Hong Kong.

Mr. Burke

Mails sent by sea to Hong Kong have recently taken from 35 to 77 days in transmission, with an average of 63 days. The minimum time for the homeward mails has been 33 days, with a maximum of 108 days and an average of 65 days.

Mr. Pickthorn

Could the hon. Gentleman tell us why there is this very wide gap between the possible and the maximum, and can he also tell us what hopes there are of improvements in time and regularity?

Mr. Burke

I believe the main bottleneck was at the port of Singapore, but we have started another route for the outward mails. Incoming mails of course are a question for the Hong Kong authorities.

Mr. Pickthorn

Does another route mean one not going by Singapore?

Mr. Burke

Yes, it means going by North America.

Mr. Douglas Marshall

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the long delays are often a source of grave anxiety to Service personnel?

Mr. Burke

I would remind the hon. Member that we have an air mail service.