§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to seek to increase the penalties available under law for those persons over 16 years of age who purchase cigarettes or tobacco specifically for children under 16 years of age; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieIt is not a criminal offence for persons aged over 16 to purchase tobacco products. Their sale to children under 16 is illegal under the Protection of Children (Tobacco) Act 1986, and the fine on conviction is up to level 3 on the standard scale (£400). The rate of level 3 can be increased by order to reflect inflation.