§ Sir W. Smithersasked the President of the Board of Trade what is, since peace was declared, the number of cigarettes which are being sent abroad duty free; and what steps he is taking, in collaboration with the Service Departments, to prevent these duty-free cigarettes being sold to citizens of foreign countries.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithThe concession of duty-free gift parcels to troops overseas was withdrawn on 12th September, except for gift parcels to members of the Forces serving in H.M. ships and in the Far East. The number of cigarettes sent abroad since the cessation of hostilities could only be ascertained at the expense of much time and labour in the Departments concerned which I do not think would be justified.