HC Deb 18 June 1940 vol 362 cc29-30
60. Captain Strickland

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state briefly the grounds on which he is unable to grant a free postage to members of His Majesty's Forces at present stationed in Great Britain?

Sir K. Wood

It would, I feel, be difficult to justify concessions of this nature which would not be available to other sections of the community who are in a not dissimilar financial position and a number of whom have to bear onerous duties and tasks to-day in connection with our defences. Apart from a considerable and growing loss of revenue there would also be many practical difficulties in defining and controlling such a grant.

Captain Strickland

Would it not be quite an easy thing to issue some form of free postage to soldiers, and is there anybody in the country doing as much work and risking as much as the soldiers for a very low wage indeed?

Sir K. Wood

There is considerable difficulty in this matter because of the air-raid precautions services, the firefighting services, the Local Defence Volunteers, and so on. It is very difficult indeed to draw a line.

Mr. Thorne

Will the Chancellor consider the advisability of allowing wounded soldiers to send their letters postage free?

Captain Bellenger

On what grounds does the Chancellor allow free postage to members of the Expeditionary Force and not to members of the Forces in this country, who are now considered to be in the battle line?

Sir K. Wood

I was asked whether I would make a special provision in their case. I have replied that I find it very difficult to justify a concession of that nature and not to make it available to other sections of the community who are in similar circumstances.

Mr. Silverman

Can the Chancellor say why this concession cannot be granted to members of the Forces when it is a concession granted to every prisoner?

Sir K. Wood

I do not think that the hon. Member can have heard the replies which I have given to the earlier Questions.

Captain Strickland

Has consideration been given to the fact that many Defence Volunteers are in receipt of weekly wages far in excess of those paid to soldiers?

Sir K. Wood

I do not think you can try to make a proper comparison between the two.