HC Deb 30 November 1943 vol 395 cc179-80
19. Mr. Culverwell

asked the Secretary of State for War what complaints he has received regarding the poor quality of the V brand of cigarettes issued to the Eighth Army; and what action he proposes to take?

Sir J. Grigg

In the past cigarettes for the Eighth Army had of necessity to come from India, but I hope it will be possible before long to supply them with English cigarettes.

Mr. Culverwell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these cigarettes cannot be described in Parliamentary language, and will he take steps to see that in future the soldiers are supplied with cigarettes of good quality?

Sir J. Grigg

I have answered the second part of the supplementary. As regards the first part, I am given to understand that the Eighth Army have had the cigarettes for a long time, and their discontent at what they were missing only became manifest when they had a small consignment of English cigarettes.

Sir William Davison

Would it not be possible for the Government to purchase from Canada some of the marvellous "Sweet Caporal" cigarettes which are supplied to the Canadian Forces?

Mr. Bartle Bull

Is my right hon. Friend aware that for two or three years these V brand of cigarettes have been called "Spitfires" and that the soldiers do not wish to see or hear any more of them?