HC Deb 01 May 1951 vol 487 cc124-5W
71. Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the additional cost would be to allow the tobacco duty relief to retired persons not in receipt of a State retirement pension, because of their former exempted employment.

Mr. Gaitskell

I regret that the information is not available.

73. Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the hardship which has arisen as a result of the provisions of the Finance Act, 1947, under which Tobacco Duty Relief is not granted to men and women between 65 years of age and 70 years of age and 60 years of age and 65 years of age, respectively, not in receipt of a State retirement pension; and as many retired civil servants, local government officers, etc., were exempt from contribution to, and benefits from, the Insurance Acts, and now have to manage on a small pension, without the benefit of the State retirement pension, he will arrange for this concession to be made applicable to all retired persons over 65 years of age in the case of men and 60 years of age for married women.

Mr. Gaitskell

The objections to extending the scope of the concessions have been stated on many previous occasions and are still decisive.