§ Sir D. DALZIELasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been directed to the fact that all letters sent by the night mail from France and outlying countries having deliveries through France, are not distributed in London until noon and frequently later in the afternoon of the following day, while correspondence from London to Paris by the night mail is distributed in the French capital by the first delivery on the following morning; and whether, in view of the great inconvenience caused to the business community by the delayed delivery in London, he will take some steps to remedy the matter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON - HICKSConcurrently with the introduction of summer time in this country on the 22nd of April, arrangements came into force for the despatch of the night mails from Paris by way of Dieppe and Newhaven, only supplementary2196W mails being despatched by Calais and Dover. This gives an earlier arrival, and some of the letters are included in Central London in the delivery which begins at 9.30 a.m. instead of, as hitherto, in the delivery which begins at 11.30 a.m. The delay referred to by the hon. Member applies only to letters posted in Paris too late for the Dieppe-Newhaven despatch. The desirability of a connection with the first delivery in London is fully appreciated. The matter has been repeatedly pressed upon the French Post Office which is responsible for the mail service from France, and that Administration is in negotiation with the French railways.