HC Deb 29 April 1953 vol 514 cc2115-6
1. Miss Barton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if he will consider making a flat rate charge for sending parcels by air mail to all Her Majesty's forces stationed overseas whether in or outside Europe.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (Mr. Nigel Birch)

The cost of the hon. Lady's proposal would be prohibitive unless the present rates to forces stationed in the nearer theatres, such as Germany, were raised appreciably: this course is not regarded as practicable.

Miss Burton

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that that is the answer given me by his predecessor, and is he aware that that is not the point? Does he consider it right that it costs 6s. 6d. to send a 4 lb. parcel by air mail to Germany and 63s. to send the same parcel to Korea? Does he not think that the men in the distant theatres of war should have a preference and not be treated worse than those nearer home?

Mr. Birch

I always try to copy the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell), when it is appropriate to do so. I can see the force of the hon. Lady's contention, but she will realise that there are a great many things which make a station desirable or undesirable besides the rates for parcel post. I think that the man in the Forces accepts the luck of the draw and realises that in some cases he will be more fortunate than in others.

Mr. Shinwell

Since the hon. Gentleman has mentioned me, might I ask him whether it is not true that the present Government's only claim to fame is that they make an improvement upon the previous Government, and if that is their claim, why do they not do something about this matter?

Mr. Birch

I think the right hon. Gentleman has missed out the words "where appropriate" in my answer.

2. Miss Burton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if he will consider the sending of parcels up to 3 lb. in weight, letters, newspapers, limited in weight if necessary, by air mail to Her Majesty's Forces outside Europe free of charge except for the ordinary postal rate incurred in this country.

Mr. Birch

I regret that I cannot accept the hon. Lady's proposal, which would involve a heavy addition to the cost of present postal concessions for the Forces.

Miss Burton

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware of the very great worry caused to families of the men who are serving overseas by these rates? Has he himself not had letters from them saying that it is quite impossible to send newspapers or small parcels to the men because of the cost, and, if not, may I send him some?

Mr. Birch

I shall certainly be willing to receive any communication from the hon. Lady who has put up a gallant fight in this matter for a number of years. I can see her point, but she will realise that the present postal concessions already cost over £1,600,000 and there must be some limit to them.

Miss Burton

I am glad the Parliamentary Secretary appreciates my gallant fight, but would he not appreciate still more the gallantry these men are putting up overseas, and is he not aware that on this matter the people of this country are quite prepared to pay an extra cost for a cheaper postal rate to the men out there?