asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that a 5d increase has been imposed on the price of an ounce of hard plug tobacco; and of the hardship this has caused old age pensioners, county council workers, agricultural workers and other low wage-earning groups; and if he will take immediate steps to reduce the hardship imposed on many of these people who have had to give up pipe smoking.

Hard pressed tobacco, which accounts for over 85 per cent of all pipe tobaccos consumed here, already enjoys a substantial rebate of duty compared with other tobacco products, including cigarettes. I am not satisfied that an increase in the rebate above its present level of practically 1s 6d. an ounce would be warranted.