HC Deb 11 June 1928 vol 218 c615
21. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what action has been taken by the Empire Marketing Board to popularise the consumption of Empire-grown tobacco?

Mr. AMERY

As I explained to my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon) on the 6th June, the Empire Marketing Board are at present awaiting the forthcoming report of the Imperial Economic Committee on Tobacco before deciding what steps they can best take to popularise Empire-grown tobacco in the United Kingdom. In the meantime they have drawn attention to Empire tobacco both on their poster frames and in their press advertisements, while exhibits of Empire-grown tobacco have been shown by various Dominions and Colonies in the spaces provided for them by the Board at a number of exhibitions.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Can the right hon. Gentleman now tell me that at the reception given by his officers only Empire tobacco is offered to the guests?

Mr. AMERY

I do not know the reception to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, but, whenever I receive, I will certainly offer nothing but Empire tobacco.

Sir F. HALL

Is there going to be a general distribution or is that offer applicable only to one or two hon. Members below the gangway?