§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether, in discussions with the tobacco industry on what is to succeed the voluntary agreement on cigarette modification which expired in December, he will call for the reclassification 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) whether, in discussions with the tobacco industry on what is to succeed the voluntary agreement on cigarette modification which expired in December, he will call for the early and 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; and if he will make a statement;
(3) whether, in discussion with the tobacco industry on what is to succeed the voluntary agreement on cigarette modification which expired in December, he will require figures showing the carbon monoxide yield of the brand to be printed on packets of cigarettes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenI announced on 22 March, at columns576–78, a new agreement with the tobacco industry on tobacco product modification. The agreement which will last at least until December 1987 takes account of the recommendations of the Independent Scientific Committee's third report. It provides for a revised tar group structure to take effect from 1 January 1985. Under the agreement, the industry for the first time will supply information on the sales weighted carbon monoxide yield for cigarettes sold in the United Kingdom, and this will 525W enable the trends in carbon monoxide levels to be carefully monitored. the carbon monoxide yield of individual cigarette brands is published by the Government in its tar, carbon monoxide and nicotine tables, which are widely available.