Mr. ALFRED T. DAVIESasked the Postmaster-General whether there has 417W been an increase in the complaints of delay regarding telegrams transmitted from abroad, and particularly from France, Belgium, and Italy; whether he is aware that covering business letters posted in France at the same time as telegrams are sent ate frequently being delivered in this country before the telegrams; and whether he will make representations to the postal departments or other authorities of the foreign Governments concerned on this matter?
§ Mr. PEASEI am aware that there is considerable delay upon telegrams transmitted from France, Belgium, and Italy, and I have already made representations to the telegraph administrations concerned. I understand that the delay. is due to the interruption of land lines, to the shortage of staff, and to great pressure of traffic, as the result of which it has frequently been necessary to send considerable numbers of telegrams by post in order to obviate the greater delay which would arise if they were retained for transmission by wire. The foreign administrations have assured me that they are doing their best to improve the service.