HC Deb 10 October 1944 vol 403 cc1586-7W
Sir L. Lyle

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to bring home to all serving soldiers overseas the conditions under which they can send home quarterly parcels to friends and relatives without paying Purchase Tax and Customs Duty.

Sir J. Grigg

A letter was issued in August to all commands overseas instructing them to make it clear to all troops that the contents of parcels bearing a special label were not subject to Purchase Tax. The information was also given in Forces newspapers. Similar action was taken to inform all concerned that such parcels are not subject to customs duties. The contents of other parcels are liable to Purchase Tax and Customs Duties in the normal way and in this connection I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 26th September in answer to the hon. Member for Eddisbury (Mr. Loverseed).