HC Deb 18 July 1950 vol 477 cc2036-7
57. Mr. Cuthbert

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he is proposing to charge Duty on home-grown commercial tobacco.

Sir S. Cripps

All tobacco grown commercially in the United Kingdom has been subject to Excise Duty since 1910.

Mr. Cuthbert

Does the Chancellor realise that if he gave some concession to home grown commercial tobacco it would save us a tremendous amount of dollars in that we should not require to import so much tobacco?

Sir S. Cripps

I do not believe that the best use for the land of this country is growing commercial tobacco.

Mr. Deedes

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is at the moment a misunderstanding between the home growers and his Department, in particular with reference to shredding, and will he take steps to clear this up so that the pursuit of revenue will not hinder a very harmless—indeed, useful—hobby?

Sir S. Cripps

I think that the home growers of tobacco are trying to get advantages which are not due to them.