HC Deb 29 June 1943 vol 390 cc1471-2
59. Mr. John Dugdale

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the possibility of allowing members of His Majesty's Forces serving overseas to send home a single parcel of a greater value than 30s. duty free provided that the total value of duty-free parcels sent in a year is not in excess of 120s.?

Sir K. Wood

I am afraid that my hon. Friend's suggestion is not practicable. It would involve the keeping of special records showing particulars of all parcels sent by every individual who took advantage of the gift parcels concession, and such an expenditure of labour would not, I consider, be justified.

Mr. Dugdale

In view of the fact that a record must already be kept so as to know whether they have sent four parcels or more, can the right hon. Gentleman not use the same system of recording in connection with the suggestion I have made?

Sir K. Wood

No, Sir. The information I have is that to enable a check to be kept on the aggregate value of the parcels sent by an individual during the year it would be necessary to set up special records covering every member of the Forces who sent home any parcel.

Mr. Dugdale

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the present record is kept?

Sir K. Wood

Yes, if my hon. Friend will put down a Question.