§ Mr. NIELDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Tobacco Trust and also some of the better-class retail traders in tobacco have taken advantage of the increased duty of 1s. 10d. on the lb. to advance the price of tobacco to the consumer by 2s. 8d. and in some cases by 4s. on the lb.; and whether he will either act himself or ensure the control of the trade under the powers already conferred by Parliament to prevent such profiteering?
Mr. ROBERTSMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Tobacco Control Board are making careful inquiries into the justification for the recent advance in the price of tobacco beyond the actual amount of the tax, and should they obtain proof of profiteering the Board of Trade will be ready to take the necessary action.