§ Mr. Muffasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the considerable delay in air-mail letters to India; that the Christmas letters for the Punjab had not arrived in the middle of January; and whether he will inquire at the receiving end as to the causes of delay and remedy the same?
§ Captain CrookshankI am aware of the delay which has occurred recently to air-mail letters for India, particularly those intended for Christmas delivery there. The delay has been due to congestion of mail traffic on the air services from Africa to India, due partly to irregularity of arrivals in South Africa by sea from this country, and I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement as regards India given in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Taunton (Lieut.-Colonel Wickham) on 15th December. As regards the receiving end, responsibility for the treatment of mails in India is of course a matter for the Indian postal authorities; but, so far as mail for the Forces in India is concerned, a committee appointed by Field Marshal Sir Archibald Wavell has been reviewing the position with a view to effecting all possible improvement.