asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Customs and Excise Office refuse to deliver goods to private individuals if the gross weight of the parcel is more than five pounds; and can he see his way clear to relax this regulation?

I am aware of this regulation, which was imposed for the reasons stated in the Answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for East Wolver hampton (Mr. Mander) on 22nd May. Existing circumstances do not permit of a relaxation.

Can my right hon. Friend say what steps have been taken to inform post offices throughout the world of these regulations, and is he aware that parcels considerably in excess of 5 lbs. in weight are arriving in this country and taking up shipping space, but are not being delivered to the right people?

All parcels that arrive are being delivered, if not to the person to whom they were addressed, to persons who are in need of them and are glad to have them.