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LONDON (AFX) - Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown slapped another 11 pence of duty onto the price of 20 cigarettes in today's Budget, ... LONDON (AFX) - Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown slapped another 11 pence of duty onto the price of 20 cigarettes in today's Budget, in line with inflation, and at the same time cut tax on smoking cessation products.

For one year from July 1, the VAT level charged on nicotine replacement therapies such as patches and other quit-smoking products will be cut to 5 pct, from 17.5 pct.

The reduction coincides with the smoking ban that comes into force in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, when many people are expected to try to give up.

Anti-smoking group ASH welcomed the move, but said the reduction should be sustained permanently. It also called for above inflation rises in the cost of cigarettes.