asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider granting coupons for tea to old-age pensioners to enable them to have a supply at reduced rate

No, Sir, I regret not. I would refer the hon. Lady to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the hon. Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd).

:In my estimation, the reply given yesterday was very unsatisfactory. Is the Chancellor aware that this section of the community comprises the folk who are suffering more than others because, owing to the rising cost of food, they are deprived of the necessities, such as a little butter and milk? Does he know that he is taking from them "the cup that cheers"—[HON. MEMBERS"Oh!"] It is all very well for hon. Members to say "Oh," but they should try to put themselves in the place of these old people and see if they would be better off.

The Government are well aware of the difficulties of the old-age pensioners. The arrangement in regard to tobacco was made following a sharp increase in the duty on imported tobacco. There is not an exact analogy in the case of tea as in most cases tea is duty-free. Also, such a scheme would involve a question much broader than that of tea alone. I am afraid that I cannot accede to the request of the hon. Lady.

:In view of the very strong feelings expressed, would the right hon. Gentleman consider increasing the old-age pension and meeting the case in that way?