asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now make any relaxation of the Regulations so as to permit small parcels of cut flowers to be sent to hospitals by parcel post?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is in a position to make a statement on the ban imposed on the transmission of flowers by post?

The ban on the transmission of flowers by post was imposed because it was found that, as a result of the prohibition by the Ministry of War Transport of their conveyance by rail, large quantities of flowers were being diverted to the postal service; and, as the mails are largely railborne, the result was systematic evasion of the Ministry of War Transport's Order. As the restrictions imposed by this Order are being suspended, I have decided to take similar action with regard to the ban on the transmission of flowers by post; it will not be re-imposed unless experience of the working of the new arrangements renders that necessary.

Is it not a fact that, only a week ago, when it must have been known to the Ministry of War Transport that the ban by railway was to be suspended, the right hon. and gallant Gentleman gave an answer in quite the reverse sense? Is not the whole matter rather footling?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will read the interchange of question and answer last week, he will see that my hon. Friend modified his first reply and indicated that I was considering this matter.