§ 120. Mr. D. Marshallasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty it he is aware that letters addressed to naval personnel at Hong Kong are suffering great delay, which is bad for morale; and if he will arrange for all such letters to -be transported by air.
Mr. DugdaleAll letters of 1 oz and under, and all heavier letters which are prepaid for air transmission, are already sent by air to naval personnel at Hong Kong. I am aware that owing to bad weather conditions there have been delays during October, but the most recent report received from there indicates that the 131W position has now improved. Letters heavier than 1 oz. not prepaid for air transmission necessarily take a considerable time in transit owing to the great distance and shortage of shipping. Nevertheless, steps are being taken which will, it is hoped cut down delays. It is not possible to send all letters by air owing to lack of air freight facilities.