asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer which tobacco manufacturers have given assurances that profits on tobacco stocks arising from increases on duty have been earmarked to cover the loss on any future reduction in duty; and how much has been so earmarked.

The manufacturers who gave this assurance were, in addition to Messrs. Carreras, the Imperial Tobacco Co., Ltd., Messrs. Gallaher Ltd., and Messrs. Godfrey Phillips, Ltd. I have no particulars of the amounts earmarked. In any case it would not be in accordance with Revenue practice to divulge confidential details of the affairs of individual companies.

When particulars of these earnings and profits are published, and my right hon. and learned Friend knows what they are, does he propose to do anything about it?

I propose to accept the undertaking of the company.