HC Deb 07 April 1903 vol 120 c1248
GENERAL LAURIE (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the difference in the prices charged in the military canteens in Cape Colony and the Transvaal; and whether any allowance is made to the soldiers to meet the outlay involved by these prices; and, if so, whether it is graduated according to the increased price caused by Customs duty.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, Westhoughton

I am aware of the difficulties mentioned. At present Cape Colony allows 25s. and Natal 35s. per soldier per annum as a rebate of Customs duties. The question of revising these rates is at present engaging the attention of both military and colonial authorities.