HC Deb 06 December 1939 vol 355 cc636-7
31. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that despite the recent reduction in charges, the comparative costs of sending parcels to soldiers at home and with the British Expeditionary Force, respectively, are, up to three pounds, 6d. and 9d.; up to seven pounds, 10d. and 1s. 6d; and up to 11 pounds, 1s. and 2s.; that in practice it costs twice as much to send an average parcel to a soldier in France as it does to a soldier at home; and whether, in view of the unfairness thus shown to relatives of men in France, he will consider reducing the charges so that the cost of parcels will be the same for soldiers at home and with the British Expeditionary Force?

Major Tryon

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 8th November to a question on the same subject by the hon. Member for North Cornwall (Mr. Horabin).

Mr. Stewart

Is not my right hon. and gallant Friend prepared to reconsider his decision in view of the sense of unfairness felt throughout the country?

Major Tryon

The postage rates on parcels to members of His Majesty's Forces serving overseas apply to men serving in any part of the world. The rates are based on an estimate of the average cost of carrying them, without allowing for any profit, and the charge of 9d. for 3 lbs. compares with a charge of 1s. in the last war.

Mr. Viant

(by Private Notice) asked the Postmaster-General whether all letters addressed to the members of the British Expeditionary Force in France are sent by him to Liverpool before being handed over to the Army Post Office, and whether similarly letters from them are being sent to Liverpool before being delivered?

Major Tryon

No, Sir. A statement to this effect which appeared in a British newspaper is absolutely untrue. The statement, like many other foolish rumours, was said to have originated from the German wireless.

Mr. Viant

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman in a position to inform the House of the paper in which this information appeared?

Major Tryon

I am grateful to the hon. Member for the good fortune that he noticed this article and raised the matter. The newspaper in question, in a leading article, charged the Post Office with sending all letters between our soldiers in France and their homes via Liverpool. It also stated that this had been announced on the German wireless. If it be true that this was announced on the German wireless, the object must have been to cause discontent among the troops in France and their families at home. It is, in any case, unfortunate that the paper in question should have given widespread publicity to a statement which was mischievous and untrue.

Mr. Viant

Could not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman inform the House of the name of the paper?

Major Tryon

I believe it is not usual at Question Time but I am not anxious to protect the paper. Is it in order, Mr. Speaker, for me to name the paper?

Mr. Speaker indicated assent.

Major Tryon

It was the "Daily Mail."

Mr. Stephen

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman see that a prosecution is made of the paper, as a newsvendor was sent to prison for three months for giving false information?

Major Tryon

It is not for me to deal with the question of prosecution, but I have indicated to the House what I think of this incident.

Mr. Maxton

Is it not for the Minister to put the problem up to the Attorney-General?

Mr. George Griffiths

Had the princess anything to do with this?