§ Mr MORRELLasked the Postmaster-General if he will make inquiries as to whether any letters or parcels sent (from October, 1916, to February, 1917) by Mr. R. H. Dearden, 12, Boundary Road, Burnley, addressed to Private Fred Dearden, No. 26,955, 6th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, A company, 13th Division, 38th Brigade, Indian Expeditionary Force, Mesopotamia, care of I. O., General Post Office, London, reached their destination; whether from February to April, 1917, letters and parcels, some of them containing money orders, sent from the same address to the same soldier at No. 32, 774W British General Hospital, Amara, and to the convalescent camp, Amara, were delivered to him; and, if not, whether he will take steps to have a full investigation made into the matter?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHInquiry as to the particular letters and parcels mentioned is proceeding, and I will acquaint the hon. Member with the result in due course. Letters and parcels for the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force are dispatched regularly and without delay from this country to Bombay, where my responsibility ends. The arrangements for their onward transmission and distribution are under the control of the Indian Post Office.