asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to state when the concessions on cigarettes and tobacco already promised are likely to commence.

As soon as the necessary printing and other arrangements can be completed.

In view of the fact that it is three months since the Budget, is the Chancellor able to say whether he will be able to give notice of these concessions before the House rises for the Recess?

I do not want to name a date, because I do not want to cause disappointment among old people, if it cannot be firmly held. After all, the Finance Bill is hardly yet law. It was not possible to put these concessions into final preparation until the House approved the new Clause which I put down on the Report stage. I can assure the House that there is no intention to delay, but I would rather not name a date.