asked the Minister for Finance whether he will consider the introduction of a scheme whereby old age pensioners will be exempted from the payment of the recent increase of the duty on tobacco.

It is not proposed to introduce a scheme exempting old age pensioners from payment of the recent increase of the duty on tobacco.

After eight years of emergency, the Minister saw his way to increase old age pensions by the small amount of 2/6 per week. Now, having granted that 2/6 per week, he puts 4d. per ounce on the tobacco which they use. If that is not a shame and a scandal, I do not know what is.