§ Mr. SPOORasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that letters to and from London and Berne, Switzerland, still take as long as eight days in transit and sometimes longer, whilst communications between other towns of the United Kingdom and other parts of Switzerland are often considerably more protracted; whether the delay takes place within his jurisdiction or elsewhere; and whether steps can be taken to remedy this impediment to an immediate resumption of business relations?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHIn consequence of the congestion on the railway and steamship services between London and Paris, and of the great difficulties of railway communication on the Continent generally, the course of post between the United Kingdom and Switzerland is necessarily much longer than in normal times. Further unavoidable delay, for which the Post Office has no responsibility, is occasioned by the censorship of correspondence in London. Every effort is being made by my Department and by the Chief Postal Censor to reduce delays to a minimum; and I am in communication with the French Post Office as to the possibility of a general improvement in the mail services with France and countries served through France.