HC Deb 08 March 2000 vol 345 cc763-4W
Mr. Austin

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the additional health risk of smoking cigarettes containing(a) calcium carbonate, (b) cellulose fibre, (c) Di-ammonium (d) hydrogen phosphate, (e) ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, (f) Sorbitol, (g) citric acid and its tripotassium and trisodium salts, (h) menthol, (i) cocoa, (j) sucrose and sucrose syrup, (k) glycerol, (l) liquorice, (m) benzoic acid and/or its potassium salts, (n) caramel, (o) dried extracts and esters of fruits, (p) acetic acid, (q) guar gom, (r) propylene glycol, (s) magnesium oxide, (t) carboxymethyl cellulose, (u) humic acid, (v) triethylene glycol, (w) polyvinyl alcohol, (x) triethylene glycol, (y) methyl hydroxy propyl cellulose, (z) diatomaceous earth, (aa) potassium chloride, (bb) sodium chloride, (cc) cellulose acetate propionate, (dd) glyoxal, (ee) ortho-phosphoric acid and (ff) iron oxide. [113508]

Yvette Cooper

[holding answer 7 March 2000]: All the substances listed have been assessed as additives to tobacco products (cigarette, cigars, pipe and hand rolling tobacco) using the guidelines detailed in the report of the Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health (Annex K Appendix 1), copies of which are available in the Library.

Mr. Austin

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with tobacco manufacturers regarding additives used in cigarettes; if he will list those additives known to be used; and if he will make a statement. [113509]

Yvette Cooper

[holding answer 7 March 2000]: None. Officials meet members of the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association twice a year to monitor the Voluntary Agreement on the approval and use of the additives in tobacco products in the United Kingdom. They have also met, both individually and collectively, tobacco company representatives on an ad hoc basis to discuss additives. The list of additives is available in the Library and on the following website: www.givingupsmoking.co.uk