HC Deb 15 October 1940 vol 365 c609W
Mr. Gledhill

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the recent increase in pay still retains a discrimination in favour of the Navy, who obtain duty-free cigarettes and tobacco; and whether he is prepared to suggest a removal of this anomaly?

Sir K. Wood

The privileges to which my hon. Friend refers and which are enjoyed by naval personnel serving in His Majesty's sea-going ships in commission and to a lesser extent by other naval personnel, are of long standing and apply in peace as well as in war. I am sure it is not my hon. Friend's wish that I should withdraw them for the sake of apparent uniformity in this respect with other members of the Forces, but equally, as I have explained on previous occasions, I cannot see my way to extend these privileges to those other members.