Written question asked by Alexander Stafford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 November 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2021. It was answered by Maggie Throup (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 November 2021 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Tobacco: Regulation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Office for Health Improvements and Disparities’ investigation into possible breaches of the prohibition of characterising flavours in tobacco products, whether the testing of menthol cigarettes has been carried out; whether that investigation is on track for completion by the end of this year; and when he expects to announce the outcome of the investigation.

Answer: The Office for Health Improvements and Disparities’ testing of selected tobacco products, as part of the Department’s investigation of possible breaches of the prohibition of menthol cigarettes, is ongoing. It is expected to continue into early 2022.

Secondary information