HC Deb 27 February 1945 vol 408 cc1235-6
63. Viscountess Astor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why liquor is supplied duty free to officers' messes in His Majesty's sea-going ships when revenue is so urgently required; and what this concession costs the Treasury.

Sir J. Anderson

Officers' messes in His Majesty's sea-going ships in commission have received liquor free of duty for many generations, and I could not contemplate withdrawing this privilege now. I have no statistics which would enable me to say how much revenue is involved, but apart altogether from any question of compensation for the withdrawal of the privilege, I do not think that the amount could assist me to any perceptible extent in meeting the expenditure for which I have to provide.

Viscountess Astor

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the habits and tastes of the Navy have changed in the last 300 years, and that perhaps some of these men who are getting the liquor would rather have the money to spend on something which they want?

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the supplementary question put by the Noble Lady implies that naval officers are drinking a great deal of liquor; and is he further aware that the habit of drinking has altered just as much in the Navy as it has in the country generally?

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the framing of this Question will do much to reconcile naval personnel in Plymouth to the Noble Lady's forthcoming retirement?

Commander Prior

Will the Chancellor extend similar facilities to the other two Services?