§ Mr. Walkdenasked the Under-Secretary of State for India, why it has become necessary to revert to the issue of un popular Indian brands of cigarettes produced by Indian contractors when an assurance was given many months ago that Virginia or popular British standard cigarettes would be given as free issue cigarettes to all services in India and S.E.A.C., including R.A.F. personnel; and if he will terminate at once such sup plies from the Indian contractors and issue only such brands as are in popular demand with the Services.
§ Mr. A. HendersonSo far as India is concerned there has been no reversion to the issue of unpopular brands of cigarettes produced by Indian contractors. The cigarettes now being issued to the British Forces in India and S.E.A.C. are being manufactured in the factories of the Imperial Tobacco Company in India. They consist of 30 per cent. indigenous and 70 per cent. imported American Virginian tobacco, and the brands are mainly "Players," "Wills' Gold Flake" and "Woodbines." These cigarettes are issued to the troops either free as part of their rations or on payment through the canteens. If my hon. Friend will let me have any evidence that unpopular brands are being issued to the troops I shall be glad to make inquiries.