asked the Postmaster-General how his receipts per cwt. of Forces' air letters at 2½d. per letter compare with his receipts per cwt. of air mail despatched at ordinary rates to the same countries; and whether he will give an assurance that Forces' air letters will be despatched by all lines used for ordinary air mail, and with equal priority.

The gross postage on a given weight of lightweight Forces' letters at 2½d. per letter exceeds that for the same weight of ordinary air mail letters for the Forces, which I assume the hon. Member has in mind, but, owing to their greater number the Post Office handling costs per cwt. are higher in the case of lightweight Forces' letters. After deduction of these costs, the net revenue available to meet air conveyance charges is about the same in either case. No distinction as regards priority of despatch is made between the two classes of correspondence, and I can readily give the assurance sought by the hon. Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the troops think that Forces' letters are not sent by foreign aircraft even when they would give earlier delivery? Do I understand him to say that if that ever was so it is no longer true?

If they do think that, then I think that this Question and answer may correct them.

In view of the importance of facilitating correspondence between our people in the Forces abroad and their homes here, will my right hon. Friend consider offering them further reduced rates?

We have recently gone into that matter, and I think that this is all we can do at the moment.