§ 58. Mr. FELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now reconsider the case of the men afloat in the Trinity House, lightships who can only purchase the tobacco for their consumption on the lightships after paying the full tobacco duty; whether he is aware that these men are afloat for longer periods than most men in the Navy, and during the War run risks of loss of life from mines which have sunk the lightships on more than one occasion; and will he make a concession as some recognition of the extra hardships and dangers thrown on these men by the War?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI regret that I am unable to depart from my predecessor's decision on the subject, as stated in his reply to my hon. Friend's question on the 2nd March last year.
§ Mr. FELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that between the Admiralty and the Treasury these men, who are so long at sea in lightships, are practically deprived of the use of tobacco?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have not heard so. I hope it is not the fact. I will make inquiries.