§ 36. Sir Frank Sandersonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the troops in Palestine are not receiving the same treatment as members of the forces in France; that they are unable to purchase cigarettes duty free, and are obliged to pay full postal rates; and, in view of the fact that due to their distance from home it is impossible for them to get leave and they frequently have reason to use the air mail, will he approach the Government of Palestine with a view to extending to the troops in that area all the privileges now granted to the troops in France?
§ Mr. StanleyAs has been stated in reply to previous Questions on this subject, the distinction between troops in France and those elsewhere lies in the fact that the former are serving in a theatre of active operations; but the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes are able to import goods into Palestine practically free of duty and to sell cigarettes to the troops there at prices very much less than those charged in this country. As regards the last part 453 of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Henley (Sir G. Fox) by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 12th December last.
§ Sir F. SandersonWill not my right hon. Friend see that the troops in Palestine have the same facilities as those prevailing in France?
§ Mr. StanleyI have explained why that is not possible, but special provision has been made by the institutes, and it is possible for troops to buy these things through the institutes at prices which compare favourably with the prices which the soldiers would have to pay if they were in this country.