§ 1. Mr. A. Edward Daviesasked the Secretary of State for War what steps are taken to ensure that prospective changes in the air mail service affecting the rate of postal deliveries to and from men in His Majesty's Forces are properly advised to the troops beforehand.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Shinwell)Changes affecting mails to and from the Forces are communicated to the troops at once by means of orders, Forces' broadcast, Forces' newspapers, or any other available method.
§ 12 and 23. Mr. David Jonesasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that although the mail plane arrived at Salonica on 23rd November last, the mails had been left behind; and whether he can state the reason for the non-delivery of the mails on this date;
(2) whether he is aware that the mail is only delivered to the troops stationed at Salonica on three days of each week; that this is causing inconvenience to the men stationed there; and whether he will take steps to have the mail delivered more frequently.
§ Mr. ShinwellAs I stated in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for East Willesden (Mr. Orbach) last week, I am making inquiries into the delivery of mail to troops at Salonica, and I will write to my hon. Friend when these inquiries are complete.
§ Mr. JonesIs my hon. Friend aware that on the date in question the mail was alleged to have been left behind because of the arrival of a general who had so much baggage which had to be accommodated? Will he give an undertaking that in future a general's baggage shall not have priority over the mail of the other ranks?
§ Mr. ShinwellIf the facts are as stated by my hon. Friend, they should have been put into the Question.