HC Deb 12 May 1947 vol 437 c108W
84. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of complaints by merchant seamen that their mail is not forwarded to them in foreign ports but is retained until their ships reach this country; and if he will institute conversations with the owners to see if better means can be devised.

Mr. Barnes

Letters for merchant seamen in ships overseas should, since the 1st April, 1947, be addressed care of the agents at an overseas port, unless owners arrange otherwise, but I am assured that mail for ships overseas, addressed care-of-owners, is not retained if there is a reasonable chance of getting it to the ship. There have been some difficulties due to the change over from the war to the peacetime procedure, and if my hon. Friend will furnish details of any specific complaint, I will have inquiries made into it.