§ Mr. Parkerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the approximate number of food parcels which have come into this country in the last three months; and whether he will consider diverting the shipping space so occupied to better use in the national interest?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI have no record of the number of food parcels received in this country during the last three months but in order to conserve shipping space for more essential purposes further restrictions were introduced in respect of gifts of food despatched from abroad to this country after 28th June. Foodstuffs may now only be received as gifts by individuals in this country provided they are sent direct by parcel post, do not exceed 5 lbs. gross weight or contain more than 2 lbs. of any one foodstuff. Moreover such parcels may not be solicited or received at frequent intervals. Having regard to the recent restriction it is not considered that further curtailment of these facilities is desirable at present.