§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India insists on charging ad valorem duty on all tobacco sent from home to British officers of the Regular Army resident in India, notwithstanding the fact that this tobacco has already paid full duty in this country before being sent; if so, is he aware that in similar circumstances France, a protective country, immediately on the outbreak of war cancelled all duties on tobacco in parcels sent to soldiers; and will he try to arrange that our Dominions treat our soldiers as favourably as do our Allies?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINUnder Orders issued by the Government of India Customs Duty is not levied on articles imported by post for British soldiers in Regular regiments or for members of Territorial or Garrison regiments; nor is duty levied on gifts of tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes imported otherwise than by post for all troops in India if consigned to particular units and certified to be bond fide gifts. I am in communication with the Government of India as to the possibility of extending the first of these concessions to all officers in British service. Tobacco sent to India from bond in this country would be free from British Import Duty.