§ Mr. HOODasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the complaints as to the delays in the delivery of letters to Constantinople, which frequently take thirty-five days, although passengers can reach Constantinople in approximately fourteen days; and whether he will take steps to remedy the complaints?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHI am not aware of any general complaints of delay in the delivery of letters to Constantinople. According to circumstances, the time occupied in transit from the United Kingdom should vary from ten to eighteen days. The correspondence is subject to censorship, and some delay on this score is inevitable. Even allowing for censorship, a letter should normally occupy much less than the time suggested by the hon. Member; and if he will furnish me with concrete instances of delay I shall be happy to have inquiry made.