§ Mr. R. J. Taylorasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing amongst soldiers' wives at the charges on parcels sent to Egypt before they can receive them; whether Customs Duties are imposed on the contents of parcels; and whether he proposes to take steps to seek relief from such duties and, if not, will he state the articles subject to duties?
§ Major TryonAs the hon. Member will appreciate, the question of levying Customs Duty on parcels sent from this country to British troops in Egypt is a matter for the Egyptian authorities; but I am glad to state that, as in other recent years, the Egyptian Customs Administration has consented to waive the payment of Customs Duty on presents, except tobacco, cigars and cigarettes, sent during this Christmas season to personnel of the British Army and Royal Air Force serving in Egypt.