27. Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennettasked the Postmaster-General why a cablegram handed in on board H.M.S. "Theseus" in an operational area on 15th December last was not delivered in Hill Head, Hampshire, until 29th December; and what was the longest period taken by prepaid mail from England to reach this ship.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe telegram was delayed in delivery because of an error 880 in the address. Air mail normally takes four days for delivery to the British Fleet Mail Office in Tokyo. Surface mail normally takes about six weeks.
Surgeon Lieut.-Commander BennettIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great dissatisfaction in this ship due to the very long delay of some weeks in the delivery of mail to the ship, and of the resentment felt by next-of-kin at having to put 6d. stamps on mail?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI am not aware of that. My responsibility is to get the mail to the British Fleet Mail Office at Tokyo. I do that within four days.
§ Captain RyderWould the Postmaster-General say what telegram facilities exist for communication with H.M. ships?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsA new service is to be started on Monday, with a new cable code. I will send the hon. and gallant Gentleman a copy of that.