HC Deb 15 May 1957 vol 570 cc383-4
28. Mrs. McLaughlin

asked the Postmaster-General what deliveries he has received of mail which originated in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from the middle of September, 1956, up to the time of the British intervention in Egypt; and what inquiries he has received regarding non-delivery of mail posted in Jordan.

Mr. Marples

As the information about deliveries is rather detailed, I am, with permission, circulating it with the OFFICIAL REPORT. With very few exceptions, services from Jordan worked normally, and I am not aware of any complaint. But I shall be glad to make inquiry if my hon. Friend will let me have details.

Mrs. McLaughlin

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a number of people have not received mail which was posted in Jordan during the period referred to in the Question, and, to the best of my knowledge, most of these people are under the impression that it is the British Post Office which is at fault?

Mr. Marples

I shall be grateful for any details, if my hon. Friend will let me have them.

Following is the information:

Surface letter mails from Jordan followed the regular pattern of one or two arrivals a week, taking on average about fifteen days in transit. There is no direct surface parcel post service.

Daily air letter mails were received regularly, taking the normal two or three days in transit, except that those sent on 27th and 29th October, 1956, took 48 and 27 days, respectively, the service afterwards resumed its regularity with a slightly longer transit time. Air parcel mails are dispatched irregularly, but there was an abnormally long interval between two dispatches, on 19th October and 5th December, respectively.