§ Mr. Shinwellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many brands of tobacco and cigarettes are now priced in excess of the 3d. per ounce duty imposed in the Budget; and whether he intends to take any action to protect the public against those firms who are taking advantage of the increased duty to make additions to the normal price?
§ Captain CrookshankI am aware that in some cases tobacco prices have been advanced by rather more than the recent Budget increase in the duty, but I have no evidence that undue advantage is necessarily being taken of the increase in duty in such cases. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this subject in the Debate on 1st May.