§ 30. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Chan cellor of the Exchequer whether he has had an opportunity of examining the latest balance sheets of some large tobacco firms and has seen the increase in profit as com pared with pre-war profits; whether he is aware that increased taxation on tobacco is taken advantage of to inflate profits, and 687 that there is general discontent against trade practices; and whether it is the intention of the Government, by taking over the tobacco industry or in any other way, to prevent the charges now being made?
Mr. ROBERTSMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Tobacco Control Board are now examining the latest balance sheets and also former balance sheets of several of the larger companies connected with the tobacco trade, and will advise my right hon. Friend in due course as to any action that may appear necessary.
§ Mr. SHERWELLCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the survey which is now being taken is including other methods of checking war profits, such as the undue admixture of water?
Mr. ROBERTSI think it will be within the competence of the Control Board to take all those matters into consideration.