HC Deb 05 May 1948 vol 450 cc1254-5
36. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Postmaster-General what postal arrangements exist for communication with civilians in Palestine.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

I regret that, owing to circumstances beyond my control, all postal facilities to civilians in Palestine are suspended for the time being.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

What, no telegrams!

Mr. Chetwynd

In view of the very natural anxiety of people in this country who have relatives in Palestine, could my right hon. Friend say what steps are being taken to restore this service?

Mr. Paling

My hon. Friend knows what the conditions are in Palestine. As soon as conditions allow us to restore the service we shall do so.

Mr. Keeling

Could the Postmaster-General say whether it is impossible to send air mails to Palestine?

Mr. Paling

I do not think air mails can be sent; but there is a certain possibility of telegrams.

Mr. Chetwynd

If difficulties are caused by conditions in Palestine what are the objections to ordinary mail going by ordinary routes to Palestine if they can go by air?

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the Postmaster-General discuss this matter with the First Lord of the Admiralty to see whether signals relating to injured British personnel can be sent via British battleships.

Mr. Paling

I will think about that.