asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in view of the fact that during this financial crisis the nation is spending more on tobacco than it can afford, if he will give a lead to the country and set an example to private industry by issuing instructions that smoking will be prohibited in all Government offices during working hours.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 29th April last to my hon. Friend, the Member for Widnes (Mr. Shawcross).

In view of the enormous increase in smoking during the last few years, and the shortage of food, will not the right hon. Gentleman make an appeal to the men of the country to smoke less, so that the women and children can have more food?

Does my right hon. Friend not agree that it would be a good thing if, during the financial crisis, Members of this House set a good example by discontinuing the smoking of expensive cigars?

Does not the idea set out in this Question completely conflict with the Tory idea of setting the people free?