Post Office (European Communications)

Oral Answers to Questions — Royal Air Force – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 11 April 1945.

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Photo of Mr Charles Emmott Mr Charles Emmott , Surrey Eastern 12:00, 11 April 1945

asked the Postmaster-General what are the present arrangements for postal, telegraphic and telephonic communication between this country, Bulgaria, Finland and Rumania, respectively?

Photo of Mr Robert Grimston Mr Robert Grimston , Westbury

As the reply contains a number of details I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

Restricted postal services are in operation to Bulgaria, Finland and Rumania. The services are limited to letters not exceeding 2 oz. in weight, postcards, and packets containing printed papers, including newspapers and periodicals, and commercial papers up to the same limit of weight. Business and financial communications are restricted to those ascertaining facts and exchanging information. Newspapers, printed papers, etc., require a Censorship Permit. Correspondence may be registered but not insured. No air mail, money order or parcel post service is available except in the service to Finland to which an air mail service only is available.

The rates of postage are:

Bulgaria and Rumania.

Letters and letter packets not exceeding 1 oz. 3d.; 1–2 oz. 4½d.

Postcards 2d.

Printed and Commercial papers ½d for every 2 oz. (minimum of commercial papers 2½d.).

Finland. (Air mail service only).

Letters and letter packets (including printed and commercial papers) not exceeding 1 oz. 5d.; 1–2 oz. 8d.

Postcards 2½d.

Mails for Bulgaria and Rumania are despatched by surface route via Turkey. Mails for Finland are despatched by air via Sweden.

Public telegraph service has been restored with Bulgaria and Finland and will be restored with Rumania to-morrow, 12th April. Telegrams of a commercial and financial character must be confined to ascertaining facts and exchanging information.

The rates for telegraph service to all three countries are:

  • Ordinary 4½d. per word.
  • ELT 4s. 8½c1. for 25 words and 2¼d.
for each additional word.

The re-opening of telephone service with the three countries referred to is not yet practicable.

Photo of Sir Patrick Donner Sir Patrick Donner , Basingstoke

asked the Postmaster-General what are the postal, telegraphic and telephonic communications at present between this country and Yugoslavia.

Photo of Mr Robert Grimston Mr Robert Grimston , Westbury

There is as yet no postal, telegraph or telephone service in operation between this country and Yugoslavia. I am endeavouring to arrange for postal and telegraph services to be opened as soon as possible, but the provision of telephone service is not yet practicable.