HC Deb 08 February 1971 vol 811 cc35-6W
Mr. Charles R. Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what facilities have been afforded to a private firm of management consultants in Epsom for the transmission of their correspondence in diplomatic bags during the period of the current Post Office industrial dispute.

Mr. Anthony Royle

No new facilities have been afforded to any private firm for transmission of mail during the current industrial dispute. Long-standing instructions exist under which in exceptional cases concerned with the promotion of British trade the use of special facilities for the transmission of correspondence may be appropriated. One letter from a firm in Epsom to which the hon. Member may be referring was sent on 28th January by bag to one of our Missions overseas under a standard covering memorandum requesting its onward transmission if no objection were seen.