From Mr Rupert Fast Sir: Thank God for Andrew McKie
taking a swipe at the oppressive levels of tobacco duty and the odious practices of Customs and Excise. It is indeed curious that, on this issue, the roughly 30 per cent of the adult population who use a legal product have no voice in the political arena. The Tories must see the sense in cutting duty, but, afraid of negative coverage, they cower away from taking this courageous stand. Liberal Democrats believe in high taxes, high public spending — fair enough — but the present rate of this ultimate regressive tax is surely at odds with 'freedom in a liberal society'.
These gutless politicians are in fear of the hugely powerful anti-smoking lobby. We will probably see yet more swingeing duties and puritanical anti-smoking measures going largely unopposed, however pointless or indeed counterproductive. Strangely. however, nobody suggests that tobacco be banned altogether.
Rupert Fast
Esher, Surrey
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