asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the delays that are taking place in the arrival of food parcels in Germany and Austria; and what steps are being taken to expedite their delivery.

I am not aware that delays are now normally occurring in the delivery in Germany and Austria of food parcels dispatched through postal channels from the U.K., though some delays were unavoidable during the recent severe weather. I am informed that parcels dispatched through "Save Europe Now" to Germany have been subject to delay which was primarily due to the very large number which accumulated when that scheme was first announced. That accumulation is being rapidly reduced and should be cleared within the next month.