Tobacco Products (Standardised Packaging)

Andrew Miller Excerpts

Thursday 3rd April 2014 Commons Chamber

[Jane Ellison]

The Government are not proposing to take away anyone’s freedom. Our tobacco control measures aim to prevent children from taking up smoking in the first place, which is quite a different thing. On my hon. Friend’s detailed point, Members of Parliament will, like anyone else, be able to make submissions to the final consultation. Once Members have had the chance to read the report thoroughly, any submissions they may wish to make will, of course, be most welcome and they will be considered.

[Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab)]

I welcome the hon. Lady’s statement and although she is right to take into account factors other than the health of the nation that have been raised by hon. Members, will she confirm that her primary consideration in handling this policy will be the health of the nation and that she will drive it through as quickly as possible?

[Jane Ellison]

I am the Minister for public health and as I said in my statement we are currently minded, based on the compelling evidence to which Sir Cyril alludes in his report, to proceed, but the hon. Gentleman will understand that policy is made in the round.

[Andrew Miller]

Health is what is most important.

[Jane Ellison]

Health is, of course, very important, particularly the health of our nation’s children, and I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s support.