Recession, Taxation And Tobacco Products

EDM number 153 in 1990-91, proposed by Michael J Martin on 04/12/1990.

That this House views with deepest concern the growing recession in industry and the steady rise in unemployment, coupled with double-figure inflation which is creating a heavy burden for the great majority of people in the United Kingdom; notes that Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer insists that the current high interest rates, which are causing a downturn in manufacturing and service industries, are essential tools in his attempts to reduce inflation; reminds the Chancellor, however, that his predecessor sensibly recognised the importance of freezing duty on tobacco products as a means of keeping down the cost of living; notes, moreover, that any increase in taxation could result in more cheap, imported cigarettes being sold in the United Kingdom; and calls upon the Chancellor, therefore, to freeze duty on tobacco products in his 1991 Budget as a step towards reducing inflation and boosting employment and living standards.

This motion has been signed by a total of 16 MPs.