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Mr. Love: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action the Government propose to take following therecommendations of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in 1995 that cigarette lighter refills be limited in size to about25ml; and if he will make a statement. [111187]Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The Department of Trade and Industry pursued the Advisory Council's recommendation with the industry. Somemanufacturers voluntarily introduced a 25ml gas lighter refill, but progress towards an industry-wide agreement to reduce therefills to a maximum size of 25ml was hampered by anti-competitive considerations and practical difficulties.In view of the difficulties encountered in trying to implement the recommendation, the Government decided to tackle the problem byan alternative means. It accordingly introduced the Cigarette Lighter Refill (Safety) Regulations 1999, which prohibits the sale orsupply of lighter refills containing butane gas to anyone under 18 years. |