Written question asked by Bill Tynan (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 April 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Friday, 4 April 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what instructions have been given to the Royal Mail regarding parcels and mail to the armed forces involved in action in Iraq. - Includes details and ref to 2 April 2003, 402 c912.

Answer: Mr. Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions have been given to the Royal Mail regarding parcels and mail to the armed forces involved in action in Iraq. [107142] Mr. Ingram: Advice given to Royal Mail Group on the subject of mail to personnel deployed in the Gulf is as follows: A surface parcels service is not available, and parcels should not be accepted. Airmail letters and packets up to two kilograms in weight should be charged at the BFPO European rate, which equates to first class inland postal charges. Forces Free Air Letters ("blueys") are available free of charge. The BFPO numbers applicable to deployed forces and HM Ships have been specified. I refer my hon. Friend also to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 2 April 2003, Official Report, column 912, to my hon. Friend the Member for Paisley, North (Mrs. Adams).

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 107142; 402 c883W;402 c881W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed forces Armed conflict Concessions Fees and charges Iraq Postal services Parcels Iraq conflict British Forces Post Office
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk