§ Mr. ForthTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is his policy towards the proposals made by the European Commission to harmonise the regulation of all tobacco products in the EEC;
(2) if he proposes to take any action on the regulation of tobacco products in the light of the opinion of the European Parliament of 11 February.
§ Mrs. CurrieCurrent action by the EC regarding the regulation of tobacco products arises from the Commission's Europe against cancer proposals, which have been endorsed by the European Parliament. The United Kingdom is participating in a working group considering two draft directives concerned with harmonising the labelling of tobacco products and reducing the tar yields of cigarettes.
§ Mr. ForthTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration was given to the definition of tobacco products adopted by the European Commission and European Parliament in deciding to ban Skoal Bandits.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe Government were aware of a number of definitions of tobacco products, including those by the European Commission and European Parliament when proposals were made to make safety regulations under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 in respect of certain oral tobacco products.