§ 40. Mr. Hollisasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that troops in Korea cannot post their letters home without 2½d. stamps; that posts are delayed through a shortage of stamps; and whether he will take steps to remedy this deficiency.
§ Mr. StracheyTroops in Korea are entitled to use lightweight Forces air letters to write home free of postage and without limit of number: for other letters, and parcels, stamps are required. I am assured that adequate stocks of postage stamps are available in Korea: a local shortage occurred at the beginning of November but while it persisted, ordinary letters presented at Army post offices were accepted and sent home free of postage.
§ Mr. HollisIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while that may be generally true, it is not universally true and some letters were held up? There is no point in going into the past, but can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that in future all letters, without exception, will be sent home if stamps are not available?
§ Mr. StracheyCertainly, Sir. As my information showed in my answer, they are all sent home already.
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteAs these troops are not only on active service overseas, but are also taking part in hostilities, could they not be granted the privilege of having their letters franked?
§ Mr. StracheyFor all airmail letters that privilege is already given.