HC Deb 04 July 1957 vol 572 cc1307-8
62. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that the tobacco revenue was estimated at £707 millions for 1956–57 and only £701,946,000 was received, what margin of error he anticipates will be necessary in the estimate of £698 millions for the year 1957–58.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. J. Enoch Powell)

The figure of £698 million for 1957–58 represents the closest practicable estimate. My right hon. Friend does not regard the difference of 0.7 per cent. between estimate and outturn in 1956–57 as unsatisfactory.

Mr. Osborne

As the cancer scare was not effective in the previous financial year and as, if the Minister of Health has his way, it will be very effective this year, surely some estimate must be made of the effect on the tobacco duty?

Mr. Powell

As my right hon. Friend told my hon. Friend two days ago, he cannot yet forecast the effect on the Revenue of any reduction in smoking consequent upon the Government's announcement.