HC Deb 24 October 1939 vol 352 cc1234-5W
Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is considerable discontent among serving soldiers at the long delays to letters and parcels sent to them abroad; and whether steps can be taken to improve these services?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

My hon. Friend the Assistant Postmaster-General has now made a report following the investigation which he kindly undertook at my request, both in this country and in France, and has found that parcels and letters, with the exception of those insufficiently addressed, are now proceeding from this country with regularity and despatch.

He states that, normally, the maximum time for the course of post should be six days, and in the majority of cases it will be much less. He has made some valuable suggestions for further improvements.

Mr. Ede

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made for members of the British Expeditionary Force to send parcels home; and what is the rate of postage?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Parcels can be sent by means of the Army Postal Service and at the reduced rates of postage specified by my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General in answer to questions on Tuesday last.

Mr. Ede

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to ensure that no local or regimental order shall limit the number of letters written by soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

This has already been done.