§ 61. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the crews of certain patrol vessels based on the Scottish coast were for some months accorded the naval privilege of duty-free tobacco, and that this privilege has now been withdrawn: and whether he can place the crews of all craft operating in assistance of and with the Navy upon the same footing as naval vessels?
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)I understand that the hon. Member has in mind the case of an inspection trawler, about which I am having inquiry made. As regards the second part of the Question, I am afraid there are insuperable objections to extending the duty-free tobacco privileges of the Navy on the lines suggested.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the Financial Secretary content with a system which enables the crews of some vessels to have duty-free tobacco and mine sweepers not to have duty-free tobacco?
§ Captain CrookshankIt all depends on whether the ship belongs to the Navy or not.