§ 40. Captain Crowderasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made whereby soldiers can buy cigarettes and tobacco at pre-Budget prices through the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes and other canteens?
§ Sir J. GriggThe total amount of cigarettes and tobacco allocated to Service canteens is not being increased following the Budget concession, and the arrangements previously in force, to secure an equitable distribution of the available supplies, are at present being continued. In future, however, the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes will act as the central distributing agency for all supplies, and 20 it is anticipated that the improved control of supplies to canteens which they are introducing as from 1st June will ensure that as far as possible entitled personnel receive their fair share.
§ Captain CrowderCan my right hon. Friend give an assurance that those canteens which are not in the ring controlled by the C.V.W.W. are not penalised; and, secondly, can he say whether coupons will be issued to the troops?
§ Sir J. GriggI shall be grateful to the hon. and gallant Member if he will put that Question down. It seems to me to be a little complicated.
§ Lieut.-Commander TufnellCan my right hon. Friend say whether these benefits apply also to merchant seamen?
§ Sir J. GriggThat is not a matter for me.