HC Deb 23 May 1944 vol 400 cc551-2
10. Mr. Loverseed

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into prices charged and stocks carried by N.A.A.F.I. canteens as compared with those serving American troops, in this country.

Sir J. Grigg

The stocks available to Service personnel in N.A.A.F.I. canteens represent a wide range of commodities. They are sold at normal retail prices. This applies also to supplies from this country available in canteens for the American Forces. These canteens, however, receive in addition considerable supplies from America and they are sold at prices which are often lower than those prevailing in this country.

Mr. Loverseed

Could the Minister say whether British manufactured goods supplied to American canteens are subsidised in any way? Will he investigate cases which I will bring to his attention where, for instance, combs are sold in American canteens for 2d. and in the N.A.A.F.I. for 9½.,and fountain pens are sold in American canteens for 2s. 9d.?

Sir J. Grigg

I understand that goods purchased in this country and sold in American canteens are sold at normal British retail prices, but if the hon. Member has any evidence to the contrary I shall be glad to see it.

11. Mr. Loverseed

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the quantities and varieties of confectionery, cigarettes, etc., stocked by N.A.A.F.I., with a view to ensuring that serving personnel are not placed in a less favourable position for the purchase of these commodities than civilians.

Sir J. Grigg

I understand that the supplies of confectionery and cigarettes stocked by N.A.A.F.I. in general do not compare unfavourably with supplies avail- able to the general public. If the hon. Member will send me particulars of specific complaints they will be investigated.

Mr. Loverseed

Will the Minister consider issuing to Service personnel ration cards to enable them to obtain confectionery where adequate stocks are kept?

Sir J. Grigg

I rather suspect that that would require a good deal of discussion with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food, and I am not sure that he would receive that suggestion with any great enthusiasm.