asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what arrangements he will make for securing that the sale of duty-free tobacco and cigarettes in His Majesty's ships conforms with the Government's fiscal policy to reduce consumption of U.S. tobacco.

The privilege of duty-free tobacco and cigarettes is not restricted to naval personnel in His Majesty's ships, but applies also to the mercantile marine and civilians travelling in merchant ships. The Admiralty have not hitherto contemplated any measures of the kind suggested, but would be willing to join with the authorities interested in examining the problem if they so wish.