asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue a sweet ration card to Army personnel which would enable them to purchase their sweet ration in civilian shops, as soldiers are unable to get adequate variety in N.A.A.F.I. canteens.

Arrangements are under consideration for personnel on the lodging list to buy their sweet ration in civilian shops, but I regret that it is not possible to adopt my hon. Friend's proposal for other personnel. It is necessary for troops generally to obtain their sweet ration through N.A.A.F.I., as civilian arrangements are not easily adapted to Service demands and furthermore, distribution to ordinary retailers would be upset by moves of units. In any case I am not prepared to accept the suggestion contained in the last part of the Question.

Would my right hon. Friend look into the kind of sweets that the N.A.A.F.I. supply? I think he will find that my allegation is well founded.

Yes, Sir, I am prepared to do that, and if my hon. Friend can give me any information in that respect, I should welcome it.