§ 62. Mr. J. Morrisonasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many certificates for reduced prices for cigarettes and tobacco have been issued to old age pensioners; what proportion of these certificates are for men and for women, respectively; what proportion the total issue of certificates represents to the total number of old age pensioners; what is the cost of this licensing system; and how many civil servants are employed in operating it.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallThe administration of the relief system is almost entirely carried out by Post Office and Customs staffs in conjunction with their other duties, and it is not possible to give separate figures for the cost or numbers employed. The answer to the first three parts of the Question is not yet available.
§ 63. Mr. C. S. Taylorasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will withdraw S.R. & O. 1658, entitled the Tobacco Duty (Relief for Pensioners) Regulations, dated 4th August, 1947, so that this Order can be amended to include persons who are in a hospital or institution and who are for that reason disqualified from receiving an old age pension.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallNo. Even if it were administratively practicable to include such persons in the relief scheme we have no statutory power to do so by regulation.