HC Deb 01 May 1940 vol 360 cc697-8
28. Captain Strickland

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any communication yet from the High Commissioner of Palestine on the subject of the duty-free admission of parcels into Palestine when consigned to members of His Majesty's Forces?

29. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it has yet been possible to arrange that British soldiers serving in Palestine shall receive presents of cigarettes duty free, as soldiers do who belong to the British Expeditionary Force in France?

Mr. M. MacDonald

Yes, Sir. It has been arranged that members of His Majesty's Forces serving in Palestine will be granted the same Customs duty concessions as members of the British Expeditionary Force in France.

Mr. Markham

May I ask when this comes into operation and whether it is based on the French system?

Mr. MacDonald

It is based on the system operating in France to-day. As regards the date I should like to have notice of that question, but I venture to think that, if it has not already come into operation, in a few days it will as soon as the necessary provision can be made.

Mr. Duncan

Will it apply to Dominion soldiers in the same way as to British soldiers?

Mr. MacDonald

I venture to say that that matter is covered by this decision.

Mr. Denman

Is it at the cost of the Palestine revenue or the British revenue?