Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of standardised packaging of tobacco products on the illicit trade in tobacco.

HMRC has carried out a “futures analysis” to identify the potential impact the introduction of Standardised Packaging could have on the illicit trade in tobacco. This assessment has been shared with the Department of Health to inform the development of Government policy.

The assessment is currently being reviewed taking into consideration additional information provided during the Government consultation.