HC Deb 27 April 1948 vol 450 c209
50. Mr. Beechman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to allow tobacco to be freely cultivated in this country, in order to save foreign exchange.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is not prepared to repeal the Excise Duty on home-grown tobacco. Amateur attempts to grow small amounts of tobacco for personal consumption will, however, for the present be allowed to proceed freely.

Mr. Beechman

Is the Minister aware that there is a superstition, fostered over generations by the Excise, that tobacco cannot be grown or cured in this country, whereas it can be easily grown by old age pensioners?