asked the Postmaster-General whether he has any statement to make with regard to the transmission of mails between the United Kingdom and India; and when he expects the air-mail service to be accelerated and to what extent?

There is a fairly frequent mail service between the United Kingdom and India by surface route; but owing to war conditions the mails are being forwarded via the Cape and take from six to nine weeks in transit. Air mails for and from India are in general conveyed by sea between this country and South Africa and by air between South Africa and India. The service with India and other Empire countries is engaging the attention of the Government and advantage will be taken of every opportunity of improvement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication in regard to the time of any improvement?

No, Sir, I cannot, except to say that every opportunity that presents itself as the situation changes will be used to increase the speed of transit.