§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the complaints from the crews of British merchant ships at the frequent non-receipt of their letters in foreign ports, even when the ships are making regular voyages or in cases where they remain a considerable time in one port; what are the arrangements for ensuring the delivery of letters from England to British merchant ships abroad; and whether the British Consular officers have instructions to assist in this matter and to endeavour to have these cases of complaint removed?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI am not aware of any recent complaints of delay to letters for the crews of British ships in foreign ports. If the hon. and gallant Member will let me have particulars of any such complaints, I shall be happy to make inquiry. Special arrangements are in force for the delivery of letters addressed to certain lines of mail packets; but, generally speaking, letters are addressed to the ship's agents at the port of call, who deliver them to the ship or forward them if the ship has left. British Consular officers would doubtless 1865W give any assistance in their power if complaints regarding the non-receipt of such letters were brought to their notice; and I understand that when letters for the members of the crews of British ships are addressed to a consulate to be called for, special care is taken by the officer it charge of the post to secure their proper delivery.