HC Deb 20 January 1943 vol 386 cc196-7
33. Mr. Mander

asked the Postmaster-General why, in the case of parcels sent to His Majesty's ships, including merchant vessels, there is a varying charge dependent upon whether the ship is in home waters or not, in view of the fact that the senders cannot and ought not to have or pass on this information; and whether he will consider the advisability of charging, in ail cases, the ordinary inland postage rates?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The postage rates for parcels addressed to His Majesty's ships in foreign waters, including merchant vessels taken up for naval or military service, are higher than those applicable to parcels for such ships in home waters because of the higher costs of transmission. Although senders should not, and probably do not, know the precise location of a ship, they are frequently in a position to judge whether a ship is at home or abroad. However, since the hon. Member raised this Question on 9th December, I have given further consideration to the subject and have decided that inland rates should be charged on parcels for His Majesty's ships whenever the sender of a parecl does not know whether the ship is abroad or not. Instructions to this effect are being issued to Post Office counter staffs and will come into force on 1st February.

Mr. Mander

Thank you.