HC Deb 15 November 1916 vol 87 cc780-1
58. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that many persons in this country, inspired by patriotism and kindly feeling towards soldiers at the front, are sending them socks and other comforts for their use in the coming winter; whether he is aware that these persons have to pay charges, in some cases heavy, to the railway companies for carrying the parcels to Southampton; whether he will arrange that these persons shall not be penalised for performing a national service to our Army by having to pay these charges; and whether he will arrange that the railway companies shall make no charge for parcels addressed to soldiers at the front?

Mr. FORSTER

The dispatch of parcels to the troops in France has recently been over 1,000 tons a week. Owing to the heavy calls on transport oversea for the conveyance of ammunition, etc., any alterations will probably have to be in the direction of restrictions rather than of relaxations. If those to whom my hon. Friend alludes, will forward their gifts through the central pool controlled by the Director-General of Voluntary Organisations, they will have the satisfaction of knowing that the) articles sent will be distributed to those most in need and that they will go carriage free from the collecting depots of the D.G.V.O.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is my hon. Friend aware that the very slender resources of the poor have been taxed in sending these comforts to the troops through many agencies, and that there has been a heavy tax for railway charges, and can he see his way to refund those charges?

Mr. FORSTER

I am afraid I cannot refund the charges, but I was instrumental in calling this organisation into being, and one of the arrangements made is that those who send their gifts through this organisation ought to do so free of cost to themselves.

Mr. HOUSTON

May I ask whether these parcels can be sent to individuals, or must the distribution be left in the hands of the controlling authority?

Mr. FORSTER

I am afraid the distribution must be left with the controlling authority.

Mr. HOUSTON

Does my hon. Friend not see that that may stop the sources of supply?