§ Mr. Lawasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the time taken for a parcel to reach Fontainbleau from London through the ordinary parcel post is from six to nine weeks, and that such parcels are subject to a heavy surcharge to meet the cost of railcharges and warehousing in France; and whether, in view of the fact that considerable hardship is caused to British residents in France, and in particular to members of the British forces serving at Fontainbleau, he will seek an arrangement with the French authorities whereby the time of transit could be reduced and the surcharge eliminated.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingParcel mails from France are despatched from this country each weekday and I am not aware of any general delay in the service, but if the right hon. Member will let me have details of the particular case he has in mind I will gladly have inquiry made. Parcels are delivered in France by the railway companies and a delivery fee is charged. Warehousing fees are also charged by the French authorities where appropriate. I am having inquiry made into the level of these charges and will write to the right hon. Member.