Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 9 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 December 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 18 December 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what measures have been put in place by his Department to cope with the increased demand on postal services for troops serving in the Gulf this Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the current arrangements for the sending of parcels to troops serving in the Gulf over the Christmas period.

Answer: Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been put in place by his Department to cope with the increased demand on postal services for troops serving in the Gulf this Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the current arrangements for the sending of parcels to troops serving in the Gulf over the Christmas period. [143819] Mr. Ingram: A full airmail service for letters and packets up to 2 kg is in place, and no charge is made for these items addressed to named personnel in the Gulf. In anticipation of increased volumes of mail for personnel in the Gulf over the Christmas period, arrangements have been made for appropriate space to be allocated on RAF flights to the region. The current arrangements are very effective, and a high quality of service is being achieved.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 415 c1065W; 143819
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Armed forces Christmas Iraq Peacekeeping operations Postal services
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk