HC Deb 10 May 1961 vol 640 c41W
27. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that it is the present policy of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes to permit different prices to be charged for the same articles in different canteens, including, for example, one shilling for a bottle of sauce in Northern Ireland and one shilling and ninepence for a similar bottle in Berlin; if he is aware of the discontent this has caused to soldiers in Berlin; and if he will take steps to alter the policy so that higher prices are not charged in some canteens than in others.

Mr. Ramsden

A bottle of sauce which costs one shilling and sixpence in Northern Ireland costs one shilling and ninepence in Berlin. It is economically impracticable to sell goods overseas at British prices; but within each territory uniform prices are charged in all canteens. The Services accept this policy, and my right hon. Friend does not consider that it should be changed.