HC Deb 31 July 1946 vol 426 c194W
Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Food why his Department refuses to permit receipt by the West Hartlepool Steamship Navigation Company, Limited, of a gift of wine and other articles dispatched to them by the Hellenic Lines Limited, of the Piraeus.

Mr. Strachey

If I were to permit the import of large parcels it would be impracticable to distinguish between bona fide presents and transactions of a commercial character, or to ensure equitable distribution of the food. I regret the disappointment of the firm concerned, but I cannot grant them facilities which I have had to refuse in many other cases.