§ Mr. Litherlandasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals the European Commission has made regarding harmonisation of the excise structure of the tobacco market; if he is satisfied that no action by the European Commission will jeopardise claims by the United Kingdom to reduce the damage to health from cigarette smoking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungProposals for further harmonisation of cigarette duty structure have been in a draft directive which has been deposited in Parliament in the usual way. I understand that the discussion of these proposals has been suspended until the opinions of the European Parliament and the economic and social committee have been received. Consideration of the future of the derogation permitting the United Kingdom to levy its present high-tar surcharge has also been deferred until a report by the Commission is available. Health factors will, of course, be taken into account when both sets of discussions are resumed in the Council.