§ Sir J. SANDEMAN ALLENasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the number of mail bags landed at the port of Plymouth has decreased considerably in recent years, and that these mail bags are carried on to other ports, incurring delay in delivery of the mails; what is the reason for the decrease; and whether he will take steps to secure that the mail bags on vessels calling at Plymouth shall be landed at that port?
§ Mr. ATTLEEThe number of bags landed at Plymouth has decreased lately owing to the fact that much of the mail from the United States of America is now carried by the new fast German liners which do not call at that port. It is not, however, the case that the mails have been delayed in delivery on this account. When incoming ships call at Plymouth, it is the normal practice to land any mails they may be carrying there. The selecttion of the ships which carry incoming mails to this country is entirely outside my control.