Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his Department’s announcement of 14 May 2022, Government delays restrictions on multibuy deals and advertising on TV and online, what the evidential basis was for his Department's assessment that it was necessary to give industry more time to prepare for the restrictions on advertising; and if he will make a statement.

The delay to the Health and Care Act 2022 receiving Royal Assent had an impact on the regulators’ subsequent consultations and publication of final guidance, therefore it was unlikely it would be available prior to implementation. In addition, we have reflected on industry’s concerns on fully digesting the final guidance, restructuring funding and revenue streams appropriately and confirming plans to ensure robust compliance from implementation.