§ 54. Mr. John Fosterasked the Minister of Food why, when there is ample shipping space available from the U.S.A., the amount of food that can be brought by passengers entering England is still limited in weight; why food parcels are limited to five pounds in weight; and whether he will follow the practice of Continental countries of removing these limits so as to get the maximum importation of food.
§ Sir B. SmithThe restrictions to which the hon. Member refers were imposed partly to ensure that the principle of "fair share for all" was maintained. If these travellers were permitted to import foodstuffs without limit, and if no weight restrictions were imposed on gift parcels from overseas, some classes of the population would obtain favoured treatment. Furthermore, the withdrawal of restrictions might lead to any increase in such traffic to the detriment of bulk supplies necessary for the maintenance of our rations. The amount of 25 lbs. of food which passengers are allowed to bring in is ample for their needs, but I am considering in conjunction with the Departments concerned the limit upon weight of parcels.