§ 31. Sir A. Southbyasked the Secretary of State for War, whether the Imperial troops stationed in Malaya are now being issued with tobacco and matches on the field service scale; and on what date was such issue approved, observing, that for some time issues of tobacco at the field service rate have been made to men serving in Iceland and the Orkney and Shetland Islands but not to mention Malaya?
§ Mr. SandysThe free issue of tobacco and matches is normally limited to troops engaged in active operations, but it has also been extended to certain areas where troops are far removed from the normal sources of supply. The General Officer Commanding, Malaya, recently drew attention to the difficulties experienced in this respect by units on the Malayan mainland. Approval was accordingly given on 5th July last for the free issue of tobacco and matches to these troops.
§ Sir A. SouthbyCan my hon. Friend say whether the delay in giving this free issue to the men in Malaya was due to the War Office or to the parsimonious action of the Treasury?
§ Mr. SandysCases are dealt with as they arise.
§ Sir A. SouthbyWas that application made for this issue some time ago, and was there any delay in giving it?
§ Mr. SandysI understand the request was made by the General Officer Commanding, Malaya, quite recently.