§ 29. Mr. Hunterasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will issue cash vouchers in lieu of tobacco vouchers, to old-age pensioners who do not smoke.
§ Mr. H. BrookeNo, Sir. The sole purpose of the tobacco token scheme is to relieve old-age pensioners of some part of the post-war increases in Tobacco Duty, and for that reason it would not be appropriate to extend the scheme to non-smokers.
§ Mr. HunterIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that not all old people—ladies especially—smoke and that those who have a sweet tooth cannot afford to eat sweets at the present prices? Will he please ask the Chancellor to consider the matter again? The amount involved would be very small.
§ Mr. BrookeThis matter has been raised in the past. We are simply continuing the action that was taken by the hon. Gentleman's own party, when the Tobacco Duty was raised and it was felt desirable to protect old-age pensioners against some part of the increase in the duty.
§ Mr. Thornton-KemsleyWould my right hon. Friend agree that, human nature being what it is, the undoubted abuses of this scheme can only be 1994 checked by some such system as is proposed, or by withdrawal of the privilege?
§ Mr. BrookeI should not like to dog-matise about human nature, but I am glad to say that the abuses of this scheme are not as extensive as, perhaps, my hon. Friend has alleged.