HC Deb 06 March 1961 vol 636 c5W
62. Mr, C. Osborne

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many parcels of dirty linen have been sent from Moscow to this country in the last twelve months, and have been returned in the diplomatic bag to Moscow; who gave instructions for the bag to be used in this manner; and if he will put a stop to this practice

Mr. Heath

According to Foreign Office records, seven small packets containing naval officers' uniform collars were sent for starching to the United Kingdom from Moscow by bag in the period in question and returned by the same means. They were needed for the official duties of the officer concerned and were sent under regulations which permit the bag to be used exceptionally in such circumstances. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise, and the answer to the third part is "No."