§ 2. Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what revenue the taxation of tobacco products yielded during the last 12-month period for which information is available; and how this compares with that of the previous twelve months.
§ Mr. BarberThe revenue yield was £823 million in the 12-month period ending on 31st May, 1961, compared with £801 million for the previous twelve months.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs the Economic Secretary aware that this fantastic figure leads people to suspect that the Government have a big vested interest in smoking? Can the hon. Gentleman say what proportion of this sum is to be spent on educating young people in the dangers of smoking and will he not now consider, in view of this vast sum, a tax on the advertising of tobacco products, some aspects of which have been very distasteful in recent months and which cost £2.2 million in nine months of last year?
§ Mr. BarberThis duty is the largest single source of revenue from all the Customs and Excise duties, but I do not really think that it falls within the scope of the Question for me to give an answer on the subject of advertisements. I must point out, since this is highly relevant, that the basic rate of tobacco duty was increased by the 1960 Budget and, consequently, the figures I have given in the answer do not constitute a direct measure of changes in consumption.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall endeavour to raise this subject on the Adjournment.