Tobacco Duty

HC Deb 29 April 1947 vol 436 cc1721-2

54. Mr. George Jeger

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost of an increase of 2s. per week to male old-age pensioners; and whether he will consider such an increase to enable them to meet the new tobacco tax.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The cost would be £8½ million a year. As regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend cannot at present add to the statement which he made in the Debate on 22nd April.

Mrs. Castle

When the Chancellor is considering this matter, will he bear in mind that any such concession which ex eluded women old age pensioners would be strongly resented, both in this House and in the country?

Mr. Lipson

In view of the great interest that is felt everywhere in this matter, cat my right hon. Friend say now whether an) progress is being made by the Chancellor in finding some means by which old age pensioners can be relieved of this tax?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

All I can say is that my right hon. Friend is considering this and he will be making an announcement in due course, when his consideration have reached a further stage.

62. Mr. David Jones

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider extending the privilege of duty-free tobacco now given to deep-sea fishermen, to home water fishermen whose duties take them to sea for 15 days at a time.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

No, Sir.

Mr. Jones

Is my right hon. Friend aware that great dissatisfaction is caused by the fact that while deep sea fishermen who are away for 21 days are able to obtain this concession, home water fishermen who are away for 15 days cannot obtain it?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

We make this concession to fishermen going some distance from the shore and not to those who fish in waters adjacent to the coast for the simple reason that it would be very easy for the latter to obtain this duty-free tobacco and then to get in touch with people ashore who would use it for their own purposes.

Mr. Beechman

Is the Minister aware that these fishermen, who go to sea in quite small craft, are often 80 miles or more from our shores and necessarily endure great discomfort?