Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Flynn Excerpts

Tuesday 11th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

I know that NHS England is totally committed to transparency and when I make my final decision on the Safe and Sustainable review, we will publish a lot of information. But all the things that he refers to are subject to normal freedom of information processes, and I am sure that he will pursue those.

[Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab)]

4. What his policy is on the introduction of standardised tobacco packaging; and if he will make a statement.

[Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op)]

9. When the Government plan to respond to their consultation on standardised packaging of tobacco products.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Anna Soubry)]

The Government have yet to make a decision. We are still considering the lengthy consultation, and in due course we will publish a report on that.

[Paul Flynn]

We heard on the radio this morning about the poor state of the country on levels of cancer. The Government have an opportunity to reduce those levels by the Bill and by the minimum price for alcohol, but when it comes to the Queen’s Speech, have they again been persuaded by the blandishments of lobbyists, and instead of putting the health of the nation first, have put the needs of big business first?

[Anna Soubry]

I certainly do not agree with the latter part of that. Just because something was not in the Queen’s Speech does not preclude us from introducing legislation should we take that decision. The hon. Gentleman makes some important points when he talks about the link between mortality and choices about how much alcohol one drinks or whether one chooses to smoke, but we await a decision from the Government.