HC Deb 09 July 1940 vol 362 cc1068-9
71. Mr. W. H. Green

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the hardship felt by relatives of men serving in His Majesty's Forces in Egypt, by reason of the very high duty imposed by the Egyptian Government on small parcels sent to these men; and will he consider again raising the matter with the Egyptian Government, with a view to a lowering of these duties?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

The Egyptian postal authorities admit free of duty all parcels for British troops in Egypt up to five kilogrammes in weight, except those containing tobacco, cigarettes and spirits. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Mr. Green

Is the Minister aware that relatives of hundreds of serving men in Egypt are still feeling a grievance because when they send parcels the duty at present in many cases exceeds the value of the parcel sent?

Mr. Butler

That aspect is receiving my Noble Friend's consideration.