Plea to continue free parcels

7:10am Monday 5th November 2007

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AN army mother is campaigning for the right of families to send parcels to sons and daughters serving abroad for free.

Kathy Dragon, the Middlesex representative of Parcels 43, has one son already serving in Afghanistan and another being deployed later this month.

Ms Dragon said: "Can I ask you to take a moment to think about the thousands of lads and lasses who are putting their own lives on the line to endeavour to help the decent citizens of both Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Many tragically have already lost their lives, surely a free or reduced rate parcel every now and again is a very small price to pay to support our brave men and women."

Before parcels reach servicemen abroad they must first be transported to the Royal Mail depot in Mill Hill, North London.

The Ministry of Defence then pays for parcels of less than 2kg to be sent out of the country but does not cover the costs prior to this point.

However, families have had the service completely free since Monday, September 3, after Royal Mail agreed not to charge for transportation costs to the depot in a deal negotiated with the MOD over the summer.

The agreement, which is due to end on December 7, will ensure parcels may be sent for free leading up to Christmas.

If parcel delivery is to remain free a new agreement will have to be negotiated between the MOD and Royal Mail.

Patrick O'Niell, a spokesman for Royal Mail, said: "December 7 is the last date to send mail to servicemen abroad. We are delighted to provide the service over Christmas but no decision has been made about what will happen after that date."

The MOD and Royal Mail are currently discussing the issue but no decision has been reached.