§ 13. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make arrangements for the other ranks serving in Cyprus to drink wine instead of beer if they so desire.
§ Dame Irene WardIs my right hon. Friend aware that I had a letter from, I think, the Under-Secretary saying that wine is to be issued in Cyprus? Is it not very unusual for a Member of Parliament to have a success before the Service Departments make a final decision? It is most exciting.
§ Mr. HeadThe hon. Lady will understand that we cannot take unilateral action. This is a matter which concerns the other Services.
§ Mr. SimmonsCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any provision is made for serving drinks for total abstainers?
§ 14. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will apply the concessions in relation to cigarettes and chocolates operating in Malaya to the Services in Cyprus.
§ Mr. HeadThe only concession not common to both theatres is that troops in Malaya receive 50 free cigarettes a week. This was given because many soldiers were in the jungle on operations for long periods unable to visit canteens or shops. These conditions do not exist in Cyprus.
§ Dame Irene WardIs my right hon. Friend aware that it would be very helpful to the Services in Cyprus to have this concession? I am all for the chaps getting encouragement in the difficult job they have to undertake. Will my right hon. Friend have another go at the Treasury?
§ Mr. HeadI appreciate the hon. Lady's point, but I should point out that in Malaya it is extremely difficult during long periods in the jungle to get cigarettes and that in Cyprus there is a concession, because cigarettes cost only half a crown per 50, which I do not think is too bad.
§ 16. Mr. Doughtyasked the Secretary of State for War what facilities are given to members of the Forces serving in Cyprus to spend their leave in this country if they so desire.
§ Mr. HeadSubject to certain qualififications, married soldiers entitled to married accommodation who decide to leave their families at home may spend a minimum of twenty-eight days of their annual leave in this country. They receive free travel. Soldiers who do not qualify may come home for leave provided that they pay their own fares. Special cheap rates are available.
Mr. RobinsonWill the right hon. Gentleman consider extending this concession? It is extremely difficult for a soldier or his family to find even the £55 reduced fare which is necessary to get back to England for leave?
§ Mr. HeadYes, but a soldier who leaves his family at home and who spends a two-year period on overseas service does get a free travel permit home.