§ 12. Mr. W. H. Greenasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has been able to again raise with the Egyptian Government the possibility of lowering the duty imposed on parcels sent to men serving in His Majesty's Forces in Egypt, in view of the fact that the duty at present payable frequently exceeds the value of the parcel sent?
§ Mr. ButlerPractically all parcels sent to men serving in His Majesty's Forces in Egypt are exempt from duty, except 1282 those containing tobacco. The truth is that it is much cheaper for men to supplement the existing generous free issue of tobacco by buying it in Egypt from Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes rather than having it sent from home. These local purchases can be effected at favourable prices, thanks to considerable reductions of duty allowed by the Egyptian Government. My Noble Friend would only be prepared to make a further approach to the Egyptian Government if the hon. Member can throw any fresh light on this question.