§ Mr. Burtasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what information he has as to research other than Government-funded research being carried out into the self-extinguishing cigarette; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what Government-funded research is being carried out into the self-extinguishing cigarette; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what information he has as to research being carried out in Australia and the United States into the self-extinguishing cigarette; and what assessment has been made of the implications for British research in this area.
§ Mr. FletcherNo Government funded research is being carried out in the United Kingdom into the self-extinguishing cigarette. We are not aware of research other than Govermnent-funded work either. The independent scientific committee on smoking and health has not been approached with any request for a review of any additive intended to make cigarettes self-extinguishing. The committee will no doubt have its own view of the priority to be attached to saving life by reducing the inhalation hazard of cigarette smoking versus that which might be achieved by reducing the smouldering capacity of cigarettes.
Some years ago the National Bureau of Standards in the United States conducted a survey on the ability of cigarettes to continue smouldering when placed in a situation comparable to that under which upholstery ignitability is tested. Considerable variation was shown in this property, which appeared to be related to the dimensions of cigarettes and the presence or absence of filter tips. I am not aware of any follow-up work having been undertaken in the United States. Nor do I have any information on Australian research in this area.
A straightforward survey of this kind would update the information now available and serve as a useful basis for further consideration of this topic. The Government are therefore arranging for this to begin shortly.