§ 13. Mr. Bellengerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Customs concessions are being granted to recipients in Great Britain of gift parcels as Christmas presents sent by troops serving overseas.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThere is a standing concession, published in standing orders overseas, which enables Service men to send home free of Customs charges gift parcels—not containing tobacco, scent or liquor—up to a value limit of £1 for each parcel sent to a separate person or at different times.
§ Mr. BellengerWhile recognising that concession, would it be possible, perhaps at Christmas time, to add to that somewhat, especially in the case of those troops who had been doing very good service in some trouble spots in more than one part of the world?
§ Mr. BrookeI am anxious to help, but there is danger of abuse if we raise the £1 limit. A Service man can send as many separate parcels not exceeding £1 in value as he likes to one person, and if he has a number of girl friends he can send a parcel up to £1 in value to each of them.