VISCOUNT MONCKasked the Under Secretary for War, Whether any arrange- 1128 ments have been made for affording facilities for postal communication with the Army in Egypt?
THE EARL OF MORLEYMy Lords, we are at present engaged with the authorities of the General Post Office in making arrangements for postal communication between this country and the Expeditionary Force in Egypt. As soon as these arrangements are completed, they will be published in the newspapers. Meanwhile, I can give the noble Lord some information in answer to his Question. Letters should be addressed to the "Expeditionary Force, Egypt." Letters will be posted three times a-week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Post Office authorities, having in view the difficulties which may sometimes arise in the field of obtaining postage stamps, will allow all letters to be posted from the Army unstamped, and will charge only single rates on their delivery in this country, the men's letters being charged 1d., the officers' the ordinary single rate. This arrangement will be of great convenience to the Forces. I may add that the formation of a Post Office Corps is a peculiar and entirely new feature in this Expedition. One hundred men of the Post Office Volunteer Corps have been enlisted, so as to render them subject to military discipline. Of these, two officers and 43 men will accompany the Expedition. The remaining 57 were enlisted and passed at once into the Reserve, and are available for service should they be required. They take with them marquees for sorting letters, issuing money orders, and all the machinery of a regular Post Office. As might be expected, there was no lack of volunteers for this service, and I am told by an officer who was present at their inspection that they presented a most satisfactory appearance.
§ House adjourned during pleasure.
§ House resumed by The Lord MONSON.