Written question asked by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Thursday, 29 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 June 2003. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 June 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what his policy is on the sale of chewing tobacco.

Answer: Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the sale of chewing tobacco. [116887] Ms Blears: The Department of Health's policy aims to reduce tobacco consumption in any form. Chewing tobacco is a legal tobacco product, though it is not as widely available as other forms of tobacco and is popular among some ethnic communities. The national health service offers support through its Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0 169, its Asian helplines and smoking cessation services across the country for those who wish to quit. In common with all other tobacco products, chewing tobacco is required to be labelled under the Tobacco Products (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale) (Safety) Regulations 2002, which require health warnings to be displayed. On chewing tobacco products, this warning reads "This tobacco product can damage your health and is addictive."

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 116887; 406 c831W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Consumers Health hazards Ethnic groups Protection Warnings Tobacco
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk