§ 51 . Mr. Chetwyndasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will initiate a coupon scheme similar to tobacco tokens whereby old age pensioners can purchase tea at concession prices.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)No, Sir. The tobacco scheme relieves old age pensioners from some part of the post-war increases in the tobacco duty. Most tea is duty-free.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present steep increase in the price of tea has dashed the cup that cheers from the lips of many old-age pensioners? Is he aware that the right thing to do is to increase the old-age pensions, but if he cannot do that will he at least allow the present tobacco coupon to be transferable to tea at the wish of the old-age pensioners because, in particular, many women are being deprived of these benefits?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterWithout accepting the large number of implications in the earlier part of the Question, I must point out to the hon. Member that the tobacco coupons scheme relates to a relief from taxation. As there is no tax on the greater part of the tea imported, the scheme has absolutely nothing to do with tea.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIn view of the fact that the tobacco manufacturers have so much money to spare, as was shown by their recent gesture in offering £250,000, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the tobacco people could be approached and asked to give something to the old-age pensioners?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am sure the hon. Member could make any such approach in a far more persuasive way than I could.