HC Deb 26 June 1952 vol 502 c200W
Miss Burton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Mrs. D. S. Bassett, 73, Radford Road, Coventry, the wife of a National Service man in Korea, received on 31st May a parcel from her husband marked "Forces Gift Parcel," that she was asked to pay £2 8s. 9d. Customs fee and that, as she was unable to do so, the parcel was taken back to the Coventry General Post Office; and what action he proposes in the matter, following the details supplied to him by the hon. Member for Coventry, South.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The parcel was correctly charged since it contained 12 oz. of cigarettes on which the Customs duty was £3 3s. 8d. per lb. As the hon. Member is aware, the inclusion of tobacco, scent or liquor in a gift parcel from a Service man abroad disqualifies it from the duty-free concession for such presents which do not exceed 10s. in total value. In accordance with normal Post Office practice in these cases, if the duty is not paid the parcel will be returned free of charge to the sender.