HC Deb 26 January 1943 vol 386 cc363-4
57. Mr. Hogg

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many parcels to the United Kingdom from His Majesty's Forces in the Middle East during 1942 were refused by the recipients owing to inability to pay the Customs duties; and whether he will relax the Customs regulations in respect of such parcels?

Sir K. Wood

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. In reply to the second part, I am looking into the matter and hope to be able to announce a decision shortly.

Mr. Hogg

Will my right hon. Friend be prepared to announce his decision within three weeks, and can he explain why it has taken two and a half years of warfare to consider this rather modest concession to our soldiers serving in the Middle East?

Sir K. Wood

I hope to be able to make the announcement very shortly.