§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State (1) if, in discussions with the tobacco industry on what is to succeed the voluntary agreement on cigarette modification, he will call for the re-classification of existing tar groupings as recommended by the third report of the Independent Scientific Committee on Smoking and Health; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if, in discussions with the tobacco industry, he will insist on the early substantial reduction in the amount of carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke, as recommended by the third report of the Independent Scientific Committee on Smoking and Health.
§ Mr. John Patten[pursuant to his reply, 1 February 1984, c. 263]: Discussions with the Tobacco Advisory Council on product modification are currently in progress.
677WThe discussions will take into account the recommendations of the Independent Scientific Committee's report. We will report their outcome to the House in due course.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will require figures showing the carbon monoxide yield of the brand to be printed on cigarette packets.
§ Mr. John Patten[pursuant to his reply, 1 February 1984, c. 263]: Not at present. We consider that the information on carbon monoxide yields of cigarettes already published in the Health Department's notices is sufficient, but we shall, however, keep the situation under review.