§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average length of time mail to and from Service men (a) in the Falkland Islands and (b) in ships in the area takes to travel (i) from the United Kingdom and (ii) to the United Kingdom; what are the longest and shortest times; and whether any particular delays are being experienced.
§ Mr. WigginFrom time of posting in the United Kingdom to delivery in the Falklands, air mail to British Service men normally takes three to four days. The shortest known time is three days; the longest known time is 12 days.
From time of posting in the Falklands to delivery in the United Kingdom, air mail normally takes six to eight days; the shortest known time is five days; the longest known time is eight days.
Mail to and from Her Majesty's ships in the South Atlantic normally takes one or two days more, depending on the vessel's current task and other factors, such as weather at sea.
No particular delays are being experienced.