HC Deb 09 April 1940 vol 359 cc441-2
6. Vice-Admiral Taylor

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he will consider exempting woollen comforts coming into this country for the benefit of the seafarers of the Mercantile Marine from freightage by the Ministry, on the same basis as comforts for the fighting services?

Mr. R. S. Hudson

In any arrangements for the free carriage of comforts from overseas no distinction is made between comforts for the merchant navy and those destined for the fighting services.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Am I right in supposing that both have to pay freightage; and would it be possible to exempt them from that charge?

Mr. Hudson

They are both being carried free.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Is my right hon. Friend quite certain about that? Is it the case that no distinction is made between the two?

Mr. Hudson

Yes, Sir.