HC Deb 31 January 1951 vol 483 cc896-7
50. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Defence if, in view of the wide discrepancies in existence, he will initiate the principle of similar air parcel postage rates for all men and women in the Services, irrespective of where they may be stationed.

53. Mrs. Hill

asked the Minister of Defence if he will consider the principle of allowing all parcels sent by air mail to troops stationed abroad to be at the lowest uniform rate of postage possible.

Mr. A. Henderson

These suggestions are under consideration by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence and his Service colleagues, but, as they would be very costly, there may be difficulty in giving effect to them.

Miss Burton

While appreciating that at the moment we do not want to involve ourselves in a lot of additional expense, may I ask if my right hon. and learned Friend will consider including in this category the men stationed in Korea who are in what I might call a temporary garrison? Those in other stations are there permanently and it is, therefore, easier, in their case, to make arrangement for long-term gift parcels.

Mr. Henderson

I think I may say that that factor will be taken into consideration.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

What would be the cost?

Mr. Henderson

Several hundred thousands of pounds.

Mrs. Hill

Will the Minister bear in mind, when considering this matter, that the relatives of these men do not have any choice as to where they are sent, and that it is extremely expensive for them to send small gifts out to their men in such Far Eastern parts as Korea.