§ Major COURTHOPEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the privilege granted to military and voluntary aid detachment hospitals of duty-free tobacco is denied to hostels for blinded soldiers; and, if so, whether he will extend this privilege to them?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINExemption from duty was granted as a temporary war con- 1163W cession for tobacco presented as gifts for the use of serving soldier and sailor patient in hospitals accredited by the War Office or Admiralty. The special grounds for allowing this privilege do not exist in the case of discharged disabled soldiers in institutions under the Ministry of Pensions, who receive pensions for the highest degree of disablement, subject only to a small deduction for maintenance, and have provision made for their families.