HC Deb 02 March 1916 vol 80 cc1193-4
65. Mr. FELL

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the crews of the lightships stationed in the North Sea and to the fact that they have to pay full duty on the tobacco they consume whilst on these ships for two months at a time; and why they cannot, whilst doing what is to all purposes Government work during the War, be put on the same footing as an auxiliary force of the Admiralty and have their tobacco duty free?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. McKenna)

I am afraid I cannot agree to extend to the merchant service in Home waters a concession which is strictly confined to the Royal Navy and is refused to other Government vessels.