HC Deb 10 November 1948 vol 457 cc1522-3
7. Mr. J. Lewis

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that food parcels sent by persons in the U.S.A. to their relatives and friends in this country are often tampered with, as a result of which goods arrive in bad condition, not properly repacked, and with some of the contents missing; and if he will take steps to prevent the administration of import regulations resulting in goods being delivered in this condition.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the opening of parcels for customs examination. I can assure him that great care is taken by officers of the Post Office to replace the contents and repack the parcels before they are put in course for delivery. I regret that many food parcels from the U.S.A. are in a damaged condition when they reach this country, because of faulty and insecure packing. Their rehabilitation is often very difficult, and here, too, our people do their best. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any case in which the instructions about repacking appear not to have been observed, I will gladly have inquiry made.

Mr. Lewis

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this trouble is not always due to bad packing and that very often small parcels inside a large one are tampered with; and in the light of these circumstances will my right hon. Friend make representations to whoever is responsible to ensure that the goods arrive whether they have to be examined or not, because many are missing?

Mr. Paling

We have been concerned with this matter for a considerable time. We are in almost constant touch with the overseas people to see if we can improve the state of affairs.

Mr. Lewis

Have customs officials anything to do with the state in which these parcels arrive?

Mr. Paling

I do not think so. This damage is mainly done in course of transit.

Mr. Harry Wallace

Can my right hon. Friend be quite certain that these parcels have not been tampered with before they were handed over to the Post Office?

Mr. Paling

That is one of the difficulties we meet occasionally.

Mr. Charles Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what percentage of the parcels is opened, and whether it is really necessary to open so many at present?

Mr. Paling

That is another question, of which I should require notice.