§ 53. Sir R. Glynasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds a British subject in Jamaica can no longer send his parents in the United Kingdom a parcel of sugar for their use, and not for sale, when this practice has continued over a period of 15 years with the exception of certain intervals during the war; and why have the Customs authorities been directed to make this seizure without any warning.
§ Sir S. CrippsGifts of sugar may still be sent to private individuals in this country. Recently, however, certain firms in the West Indies and elsewhere have been soliciting orders for sugar from people in this country. Sugar so purchased cannot be imported without an import licence, and the purchase constitutes an offence under the Food Rationing Order. Under a long standing concession import licences are waived in respect of bona fide unsolicited gifts from persons abroad; but in this new situation the Customs have found it necessary to refuse release of parcels of sugar in the absence of evidence that they are bona fide gifts. Parcels are forfeited only where that evidence is not forthcoming.