Written question asked by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Friday, 12 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 October 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 6 October 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans the Government has to restrict the amount of (a) ammonia and (b) urea in cigarettes.

Answer: Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have to restrict the amount of (a) ammonia and (b) urea in cigarettes. [130172] Miss Melanie Johnson: Ammonium compounds and urea are currently permitted in United Kingdom cigarettes under the terms of a voluntary agreement concluded in 1997. The European Commission is expected to propose a common list of permitted ingredients in tobacco products by the end of 2004. We will consider the status of all permitted additives to tobacco products in the light of this proposal.

Secondary information