HC Deb 11 June 1947 vol 438 cc116-7W
91. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Postmaster-General for what reason an offer by the Government of the Union of South Africa to reduce parcel postage charges, in order to facilitate the sending of gift food parcels to the United Kingdom, has been discouraged by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

Parcel post charges must, of course, have regard to the costs of collection, conveyance and delivery and the position in this respect with regard to South Africa is similar to that for Australia, which I dealt with in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Barnstaple (Brigadier Peto) on 4th June. A suggestion has, however, been made in discussion with the South African Post Office to make a slight alteration in the basis of settlements between the two countries, but I understand that after full consideration the South African authorities do not propose to proceed with it.