HC Deb 20 June 1940 vol 362 cc235-6
42. Mr. Thorne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether wounded men in home hospitals are now getting tobacco and cigarettes free of duty; and whether he will allow the wounded men in home hospitals to have their letters sent out from the hospitals franked?

Sir K. Wood

In my reply to the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Banfield) on 11th June, I explained the arrangements whereby certain approved organisations are able to distribute duty-free tobacco to sick and wounded members of the Forces in accredited hospitals. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Coventry (Captain Strickland) on 18th June.

Flight-Lieutenant Fleming

In view of the fact that our front is now in Britain, would it not be a wise idea to allow all these men to buy cigarettes free of duty?

Sir K. Wood

I have already pointed out that in the present position it is very difficult to draw a line in this respect, since other people engaged in Air-Raid Precautions and other services would be involved.

Flight-Lieutenant Fleming

Will my right hon. Friend explain then what can be the possible difference to-day between active service and peace service?