The Government is considering the "logistics" of offering a free postal service for armed forces on active service after lobbying from a Bingley mum.

Karen Webster, whose son served with the Desert Rats in Iraq has repeatedly called on the Government to re-introduce a free postal system similar to the one it ran at the beginning of the Gulf War.

The service, which originated as a morale booster for troops in Iraq, came to an end in 2004 although as a concession the Government allows free post in the run-up to Christmas.

Along with Shipley MP Philip Davies, Mrs Webster met Defence Minister Adam Ingram in Westminster.

Speaking after the talks Mrs Webster said: "We were told they will look at the feasibility but I have to stress Adam Ingram did not commit to it. We put the option to him and he said he will look at the cost and the operational implications.

"It is a step in the right direction and he said he will come back to us with an answer.

"As long as we are moving forward that is OK. We want free postage across the board but it they go part way that will certainly help families."

The meeting followed a hint from Government that the measure could be re-introduced after Commons leader Jack Straw agreed to discuss the "constructive suggestion" with defence ministers.

Mr Davies said: "From the impression we got, the Government has not ruled it out. We suggested a voucher scheme where people are allowed so much free postage. If people are posting every week as it stands, but are allowed to post free every other week, it would help logistically and help families struggling to afford to send packages."

Mrs Webster runs a website which provides support for the country's serving men and women and their families.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We have free letters and e-mail service to Iraq and Afghanistan for the serving military writing back to their families back home. There are not hard and fast plans to bring it in immediately, but he (Mr Ingram) will look into it."

A shoebox size parcel costs about £7.50 to send to the Gulf.

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