§ Mr. Willisasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) if he is aware that there are no supplies of clothing and footwear available for personnel at Akyab; and will he take steps to see that the requirements of the men are met;
(2) if he is aware that the cigarette ration at Akyab has been reduced from 100 to 50 per week and that there are no cigarettes available at the canteen; and will he take steps to ensure a larger supply.
§ Mr. StracheyThe Command assure me that there has been no general shortage of clothing or footwear for the R.A.F. on Akyab Island. There was a temporary shortage at one unit which has now been remedied. The free cigarette ration was reduced from 100 to 50 a week because Akyab is no longer a forward area. Fifty free cigarettes a week is the normal ratio both in the South-East Asia Command and in the other overseas commands of the Army and the R.A.F., except in forward areas. There are generally sufficient cigarettes for this ration, but there was recently a shortage at Akyab for about four days due to shipping difficulties.