9. Miss Wardasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has now been able to come to any arrangements with the Government of India with regard to goods supplied to canteens for use by the Services being free of duty as in the case of American canteens in India.
§ Mr. ButlerMy right hon. Friend is still awaiting the considered opinion of the Government of India. My hon. Friend may be satisfied that the significance of the issue which she raises is fully appreciated.
Miss WardHas not this controversy been raging ever since the outbreak of war; and is it necessary to await the views of the Government of India? Ought it not to be the views of the Army?
§ Mr. GranvilleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is general complaint on this question of the excessive prices of ordinary necessities like shaving soap, tooth paste and so on? As his right hon. Friend promised to consider this a year ago, is there not something more that he can say to-day?
§ Mr. ButlerI will certainly put to my right hon. Friend the urgency felt by the House on this matter.