HC Deb 12 May 1948 vol 450 cc223-4W
Sir W. Smiles

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the approximate cost to the country of the concessions on tobacco and cirgarettes to old age pensioners; and what would be the estimated cost of similar concessions to disabled ex-Service men and women in receipt of a disablement pension.

Sir S. Cripps

The total value of the 2s. Tobacco Duty relief tokens at present issued to pensioners who qualify for this relief is about £7½million a year. On the same basis, the cost of extending the concession to ex-Service men and women in receipt of a disablement pension would be about £3 million, if the necessary machinery could be set up, which is I fear not practicable.