SIR: The Summer Budget offers an indication that the Government doesn't want smokers to quit buying British by going abroad to buy their tobacco, as well as a recognition that high taxes increase smuggling.
In its review of all tobacco duties, which it promises to report in January 1998, the Government must address the fact that high tobacco taxes encourage smuggling.
We can't force European governments to increase their taxes nor stop people from legitimate cross-border shopping, therefore the solution is for the British government to reduce domestic tobacco taxes.
The tobacco duties review indicates that this government may be willing to consider the views of Britain's 15 million adult smokers. Although it does seem a bit odd that the 19p increase on a packet of 20 cigarettes will be delayed until December 1, one month before the review reports. So, up to December 1, it will be a bonanza for smokers, and thereafter a Christmas bonanza for smugglers.
Martin Ball
Information officer
Forest
Promoting equal rights for smokers
Grosvenor Gardens
London
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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