Tobacco price rise investigated

Jersey's tobacco industry is facing questions about price increases this year.

Senator Philip Ozouf claimed tobacco prices went up on 2 January, before increases in the duty were agreed by the States on Tuesday night.

Mr Ozouf told the States that although the practice was not illegal, he wants to know why it happened.

He said: "I accuse the tobacco industry of carpet-bagging approximately £500,000 worth of duty increases in raising their prices on products."

A spokesman for the industry said a meeting with the senator had been arranged to discuss the matter and he would comment afterwards.