§ Mr. P. COLLINSasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the widespread dissatisfaction caused by the delay in despatch of telegrams; whether he is aware that this method of communication is much more slow now than before the War; whether this delay is occasioned by a closer economy in personnel; and can he remedy this condition of affairs that militates most unfavourably against the trading community?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am not aware of any widespread dissatisfaction, but if the hon. Member will give me specific instances of abnormal delay in the despatch of telegrams, I will have inquiry made. On the average, telegrams were despatched during the past few months almost as promptly as in 1913, and no general reductions of personnel have taken place other than those which have been justified by the reduction of traffic.