HC Deb 08 April 1946 vol 421 cc1629-30
41. Colonel Wheatley

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the difficulties of demobilised Service men and women in obtaining cigarettes and tobacco owing to the supplies issued to tobacconists not having been increased sufficiently to meet this increasing demand; and what action he intends taking to deal with the situation.

Mr. Belcher

I am aware that cigarettes barely match demand. Supplies to the shops have, however, increased appreciably since last September, and as Service demands fall further there will be still greater increases. I am not aware of any general shortage of pipe tobacco.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Is the hon. Gentleman making adequate arrangements to demobilise tobacco in proportion to the demobilisation of troops?

Sir Ronald Ross

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the lack of shortage of pipe tobacco may be due to the complete shortage of pipes?