Petty Officer Herbertasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has any statement to make concerning the sale of tobacco to men of the Merchant Navy at pre-Budget prices?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir. My Noble Friend has been in consultation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who recognises that hardship would result if, in certain remote places, merchant seamen were unable to buy tobacco and cigarettes in N.A.A.F.I. canteens. It is impracticable to sell at two prices in the same canteen, and the Chancellor has therefore agreed that limited supplies may be made available for merchant seamen at pre-Budget prices at certain specified ports where ordinary shopping facilities are not available. The Chancellor regrets that this must be the limit of the concession which he can make.