HC Deb 03 May 1944 vol 399 cc1317-8
57. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give an assurance that the Forces overseas are no longer being given the Wild Woodbine cigarettes, supplied from India and which, being made in large proportion of Indian grown leaf, are disliked by the troops; and that only cigarettes manufactured in this country are being issued.

Mr. A. Henderson

The issue of these cigarettes to troops in Italy and North Africa has ceased. The arrangements for issuing cigarettes from this country to troops in the Middle East, Malta and Persia-Iraq will take effect at the end of this month. As far as commands under War Office administration are concerned the answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question will then be, "Yes, Sir."

Mr. Lipson

Will my hon. and learned Friend bear in mind in future supplies that only the best cigarettes are good enough for the troops?

Mr. Henderson

We always try to supply the best cigarettes.

Dr. Morgan

Will the Minister see that Indian hemp is not included in the cigarettes?

Mr. Henderson

As far as I know, there will be no Indian tobacco of any description included in the cigarettes manufactured in this country.