HC Deb 05 February 1953 vol 510 cc2020-1
51. Mr. Janner

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that tobacco tokens issued to old-age pensioners can be exchanged at any tobacconist's shop, and that as a result lost or stolen tokens can be exchanged by persons not entitled to do so; that as a result old-age pensioners cannot receive replacements as is the case for rationed goods; and whether he will institute a new scheme whereby old-age pensioners can register for their tobacco and thus prevent unauthorised persons exchanging the tokens.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the position, but I fear that it would not be practicable to make the change suggested.

Mr. Janner

Is the Minister not aware that this is a very serious hardship to many old-age pensioners? In Leicester, for example, there was a case in which some 14 of these tokens were lost, which involved a loss of about £4 15s. Cannot he assist, in cases of that sort, by rearranging the method of distribution or something of that nature?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have been very fully into this difficult question which, I know, gives rise to very genuine feelings. Frankly, the difficulty is that to meet what the hon. Gentleman suggests it would be necessary to abandon what is the great value of the present scheme, which is that these coupons are freely exchangeable at any one of the 400,000 tobacconists in this country, and can be exchanged not only by the pensioner himself but by someone on his behalf. Any system providing for security and, therefore, replacement would inevitably forfeit those very substantial advantages which accrue to the great majority of old-age pensioners.

Mr. Janner

While appreciating that point, may I ask whether the Minister realises that it would be quite a simple matter for the tobacconist nearest to an old-age pensoner's home to deal with these tokens? Even if somebody went to the shop on behalf of the pensioner the tobacconist would know who the person was, instead of having to deal at random with anybody. Will the hon. Gentleman give the matter further consideration?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That suggestion has, naturally, been considered. The difficulty is that it would involve tying the old-age pensioner to that tobacconist with all the rigidity that that sort of registration inevitably involves.

Mr. Chetwynd

Would it be possible to issue tokens at more frequent intervals?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I should like notice of that question.