HC Deb 23 April 1940 vol 360 c13
19. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the arrangements for the issue of cigarettes to the troops are the same in Palestine and other theatres of war as in France?

Mr. Stanley

A free issue of tobacco or cigarettes is made only in a theatre of active operations, and this does not apply to Palestine.

Mr. Mander

Is there any question of extending it to these other theatres of war from time to time?

Mr. Stanley

If it is a war theatre, but Palestine is not at the moment such an area.

Mr. Mander

Are not things almost as active in Palestine as they are in France?

Mr. Paling

In view of the fact that we are receiving an increasing number of complaints, is it not possible to do something to mitigate them?

Mr. Stanley

A great deal has been done, as I have explained to the House, through the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes. Soldiers can get cigarettes there at a very cheap rate.