§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on Government policy towards implementation of Council Directive 1999/81/EC (OJ L211 of 11 August 1999); what was the vote of Her Majesty's Government on this issue; what assessment he has made of cigarette import prices consequential to this ruling, via accompanying tax-take effects; and if the matter was discussed with the Department of Health. [95499]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe provisions in Directive 99/81/EC, which was agreed unanimously in Council, do not require any change to UK legislation nor to Government policy. There are no practical implications for the UK tobacco market and, therefore, no effect on tobacco prices or on revenue receipts.