HC Deb 05 December 1972 vol 847 cc400-1W
Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what weight of loose tobacco for pipes and hand-rolled cigarettes he estimates was consumed in 1971, or the latest complete year for which figures are available.

Sir K. Joseph

Estimates for sales to the public during 1971 are as follows:

  • Pipe tobacco—13.1 million lb. manufactured weight.
  • Handroling tobacco—13.2 million lb. manufactured weight.

Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cigars and how many cigarettes he estimated were smoked in 1971 or in the last complete year for which figures are available; and what weight of tobacco was involved in each case.

Sir K. Joseph

Estimates for sales to the public during 1971 are as follows:

per cent.; if this is in line with the Government's prices and incomes policy; if he will use his powers under the Counter-Inflation (Temporary Provisions) Bill to restore the former prices; and if he will make a statement.

Sir K. Joseph

For many years the fees charged by the General Register Office have been much less than the actual cost of the services provided. The Government therefore decided that this loss should be reduced by an increase in fees with effect from 1st October. Since this was before the present standstill in prices came into force no action is called for under the Counter-Inflation (Temporary Provisions) Act.