asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement to make with reference to restrictions on the sending of parcels from overseas to persons in this country, having regard to the necessity of saving shipping space?

Ordinary importations by parcel post are subject to the same control by licensing as importations in bulk; but, in order to provide for bona fide gifts sent to this country by friends abroad, facilities have been allowed for the importation, under certain conditions, of such gifts sent to private persons or to certain charitable organisations in this country. These arrangements are being modified in order to conserve shipping space for more urgent supplies. Particulars of these modifications have been given in a Press notice, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind that the present arrangement is greatly to the advantage of the rich, who can have numerous parcels sent to them, whereas those who have no rich friends cannot?

All relevant circumstances have been borne in mind.