§ Mr. Wyn Robertsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total received into the Exchequer from tobacco duty in the 12 months up to the last convenient date; and what average weekly amount this represents.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonNet receipts of tobacco duty in the 12 months ended 31st May were £2,153.0 million, an average weekly rate of £41.4 million. Monthly figures of receipts of Customs and Excise duties are published in "Financial Statistics" and in the "Monthly Digest of Statistics".
Mr. Fred Evansasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, following the pursuit of policies outlined in Prevention and Health, Command Paper No. 7047, what estimate he has made of the likely reduction in tobacco duty resulting; and what consideration he has given to new sources of taxation.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonThe Government are pursuing their policies with determination but it would be unrealistic to expect the decline in cigarette smoking to be more than gradual. For this year and next, tobacco duty receipts might increase with the introduction of the supplementary duty on cigarettes of higher tar yield. My right hon. Friend keeps all sources of taxation under review.