HC Deb 14 December 1977 vol 941 c262W
Mr. Hoyle

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek the renegotiation of the EEC tax regulations in relation to cigarettes on health grounds.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

We are seeking the agreement of the other EEC member States and the Commission to a derogation which would enable the United Kingdom Government, subject to the passage of the necessary Finance Bill provision, to impose a supplementary duty on cigarettes with tar yields above a certain level. Our proposal is due to be discussed further at a meeting of ELC Finance Ministers on Monday 19th December.