HC Deb 06 December 1950 vol 482 cc489-91

9.59 p.m.

Mr. Speaker

I shall call on the Postmaster-General to make a statement which, according to my information I understand it is on the "tape"—is a concession. I take full responsibility for doing so. The Postmaster-General came to me at eight o'clock and asked if he might have the debate interrupted so that he might make a statement. That would have been an innovation, a bad precedent. Then he said that he was afraid hon. Members would object because they had not been told first. I said that I would take full responsibility, and that I thought that Members would not be so ungenerous, seeing that the parcels have to be posted, I think by the 11th, or at all events very soon, and that we would wish to give the fullest possible notice to everyone who wishes to send parcels to our soldiers in Korea.

It being Ten o'Clock, the Motion for the Adjournment of the House lapsed. without Question put.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."—[Mr. Sparks.]

10.1 p.m.

The Postmaster-General (Mr. Ness Edwards)

I am extremely grateful to you, Mr. Speaker, for giving me permission to make this statement. As promised in the House this afternoon, I have had further consultations with my colleagues about the question of Christmas mail for Korea. I think it right to inform the House that I have issued to the Press and the B.B.C. this evening an announcement that one postage free Christmas parcel up to 3 lb. in weight will be accepted for each member of the Forces in Korea up to 11th December, and that every effort will be made, subject to operational conditions, to effect delivery in time for Christmas. As an extension of this concession those who cannot have their parcels ready for 11th December may post up to 14th December, although no expectation can be held out that delivery will be possible by Christmas Day for these later postings.

Miss Burton (Coventry, South)

I wish to thank my right hon. Friend for this action, and to tell him with how much appreciation this gesture will be received not only by Members in all parts of the House but by all those with relatives serving in Korea.

Several Hon. Members rose—

Mr. Speaker

Hon. Members will appreciate that this is taking part of the half-hour devoted to the debate to be initiated by the noble Lord the Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Lord John Hope). I think that an opportunity for further questions will arise later. There will be a statement on Korea tomorrow, and I think it will be in order to mention this matter then.

Mr. Eden (Warwick and Leamington)

I should like to take just a few seconds to thank the Minister and to congratulate the hon. Member for Coventry, South (Miss Burton), to whom we owe this concession. Will the Government bear in mind that they were going to consider Malaya? I do not ask them to say anything about that now, but will they bear it in mind for a later statement?

Several Hon. Members rose—

Mr. Speaker

Hon. Members will realise that they are taking up the time allotted to the noble Lord.

Captain Duncan (South Angus)

I should like to ask one question of the Postmaster-General. In view of his statement, how will the parents or friends of Service men abroad know that those Service men are in Korea or serving in Korean waters?

Mr. Ness Edwards

As far as the Army is concerned, I think it is fairly simple. With the Navy there are some difficulties. We shall get over these by issuing a special announcement so that people will see what steps they should take. With regard to the Air Force, I understand that there is no difficulty at all. We will do our best to get the matter settled.