§ 54. Mr. Banfieldasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether arrangements will be made for wounded men of the British Expeditionary Force, in hospital in this country, to be supplied with cigarettes duty free, in view of the small allowance that the men receive whilst in hospital?
§ Sir K. WoodArrangements already exist whereby certain approved organisations are allowed to receive duty-free gifts of tobacco from abroad for distribution to sick and wounded members of the Forces in accredited hospitals, and are, in addition, allowed to purchase tobacco out of bond or on drawback in this country out of their own funds for similar distribution. Certain suggestions made in last week's Debate on the Committee stage of the Finance Bill are at present receiving my consideration, although, as I have pointed out, there are considerable difficulties.
§ Captain BellengerSurely there are enough voluntary organisations, philanthropic organisations, to supply these men with cigarettes, without any official action of this kind?
§ Sir K. WoodYes, Sir; that is the view expressed in the first part of my answer.