HC Deb 13 February 1939 vol 343 c1370
66. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that men serving with the colours abroad have often to pay heavy increased postage for parcels sent by their parents and friends, and that one such member of the Fleet on foreign service received an intimation from the postal authorities that he would have to send on 2s. 3d. for additional postage before his parcel could leave England; and will he take steps to have such parcels sent at inland cost?

Sir W. Womersley

There is already a special scale of postage rates, appreciably lower than the corresponding civilian rates, for parcels addressed to personnel of His Majesty's Forces and Ships serving abroad. I regret that I am unable to agree that such parcels should be accepted at inland rates. As regards the individual case referred to by the hon. Member, if he will be good enough to give me particulars I will have inquiry made.

Mr. Gallacher

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that there are many parents all over the country who are complaining about the difficulty of getting small parcels to their sons with the Fleet, or that, if they do send parcels, their sons have to pay more for them than the parcels are actually worth; and would it not be desirable, in view of the fact that they are on service with the Fleet, that they should get this service at inland rates?

Sir W. Womersley

The rates are considerably below those charged to anyone outside His Majesty's Forces. If the hon. Member has any special case, perhaps he will bring it to my notice.

Mr. Gallacher

I will give the hon. Gentleman the case mentioned in my question, and I hope he will use it to ease the situation.