§ Mr. Saltasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the troops serving in Palestine have to pay additional duty on cigarettes and tobacco received by them from home; that the price of beer is almost prohibitive; that the postage on letters is 2½d.; and that prices generally are more expensive than for the men serving in France; and can he do something to alleviate the hardships which these conditions create?
§ Mr. StanleyI am aware that prices in Palestine are, in general, higher than in France, but the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes are able to import goods practically free of duty and to sell cigarettes to the troops at prices very much less than those charged in this country and English draught beer at six-pence a pint. In Palestine, as in certain other foreign stations, the higher cost of living is met by the issue of Colonial allowance.