§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in each year since 1965 the cost, in current and in real terms, of an average(a) packet of 20 cigarettes, (b) 250g of hand-rolling tobacco, (c) packet of five cigars and (d) 250g of pipe tobacco. [22960]
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryInformation on average prices for tobacco products is not readily available. The table gives information based on manufacturers' recommended retail prices during the period 1965–1995 for the current leading brands of tobacco products. I regret that the figures for hand-rolling tobacco, cigars and pipe tobacco between 1965 and 1976 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryWe have received a number of representations. The majority of these asked that tobacco taxation should be kept at a minimum. I regret that more precise information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.