HC Deb 07 February 1957 vol 564 cc609-10
48. Mr. Lipton

asked the Prime Minister whether the speech of Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer at Barnstaple on 18th January last, in so far as it related to the revenue from tobacco, represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friend was, I understand, discussing the problem of further switches from dollar sources of supply of tobacco to Commonwealth sources. In the course of his argument he referred to the fact that the sale of tobacco was a source of revenue.

Mr. Lipton

In view of the known connection between smoking and lung cancer —[HON. MEMBERS: "Not known."]—was it not quite disgusting for the Chancellor, for quite mercenary reasons, to suggest that too many people should not abandon smoking habits, purely for the purpose of creating a Budget surplus?

The Prime Minister

I think that that is a rather unrealistic approach to the problem. I have yet to meet a man whose sense of public duty is so highly developed that he is deterred from giving up smoking by a fear that that might mean a loss to the revenue.

Mr. Lipton

In view of that unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment. I have already tried to do so.