§ 23. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War if he will cause some inquiry to be made into the quantity and quality of the tobacco provided by N.A.A.F.I. for purchase by the troops; and why it is seldom possible for the troops to draw pipe tobacco in lieu of the allotted ration of cigarettes.
§ Sir J. GriggIn making up the stocks of tobacco and cigarettes for the Army overseas it is assumed that there are nine cigarette smokers to every one pipe smoker. This proportion is based on experience, and I am not aware that it has proved wrong in practice. I would also refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Loughborough (Major Kimball) on 16th January, and ask him to forward to me any specific complaints he has received so that they can be investigated.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many complaints from pipe smokers that they cannot get sufficient tobacco, especially from troops serving abroad; and is it not better to encourage, for health reasons, the smoking of pipes?
§ Sir J. GriggI have asked my hon. and gallant Friend to send me specific complaints and not merely a general complaint.
§ Mr. Thorne; Can my right hon. Friend state the reason why the troops cannot get Players cigarettes?
§ Sir J. GriggThat is another question.