§ Mr. P. Freemanasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of our forces in the Far East at the continued delay of the receipt of their mail from this country, sometimes as long as four months; and what steps are being taken to expedite it.
§ Mr. LawsonI am not aware of any general dissatisfaction but if my hon. Friend has details of any recent delay relating to a particular unit, I will investigate on receipt of particulars. Letters are sent to base post offices daily by air but owing to the distances after arrival in the command and the recent moves of troops in the Far East delay in getting mails to individuals has sometimes been unavoidable. Parcels are despatched by sea.
§ Lieut.-Commander Joynson-Hicksasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the evidence submitted to him of the irregularity and delays in the delivery of air mail to the Army in the Middle East; and if such air mail is now being delivered punctually.
§ Mr. LawsonYes, Sir. I find no irregularity or delay up to the time mails reach the Middle East as mails leave daily by air. I am having further inquiries made regarding distribution after arrival in the Middle East.