asked the Minister of transport why, on hoard the "Empire Trooper," en route from Southampton to Bombay in the month of May, whisky was sold to officers and troops at 15s. a bottle; and whether this whisky was in or out of bond.

The wartime ban on the sale of alcoholic liquor on troopships was removed as from 1st April, 1947. Subject to supplies being available, spirits may be sold out of bond to those entitled to them under Service Regulations. The total quantity sold must not exceed one bottle per head per month. The price of whisky is fixed for the time being, with the approval of my Ministry, at 1s. 3d. per glass of ⅓ of a gill, which is at the rate of 15s. per bottle. Whisky was sold on board the "Empire Trooper" in accordance with these regulations.