asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the causes of the maldistributions, particularly in London, of cigarettes and tobacco; and what steps he is taking to improve the position.

Manufacturers distribute their cigarettes and tobacco as evenly as they can on the basis of past trade, with adjustments for movements of population. If my hon. Friend will give me full particulars of the districts which he thinks are being badly served, I will have inquiries made.