AQW 29375/11-15

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 11/12/2013
Answered On Date: 18/12/2013
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the introduction of minimum pack size for tobacco products under the revised EU Tobacco Products Directive.

Answer:

I support the UK position on the revised EU Tobacco Products Directive which is currently under consideration in the European Parliament. The revised Directive includes measures for banning certain flavourings from tobacco products, introducing larger warnings on packaging and phasing out smaller packs of ten cigarettes.

I support these measures that will help to reduce the appeal of smoking for children and young people, and will also limit their access to cigarettes.

I understand the revised Directive is expected to be adopted in 2014 and the agreed measures will come into effect in all EU Member States, including the UK, from 2015/16.