To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy for the enforcement of legislation controlling the sale of tobacco to children; and if he intends to introduce any amendments in connection with the Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Bill.

As with all criminal offences in Scotland, it is for the procurator fiscal to consider reports of alleged offences in relation to the sale of tobacco to children under 16 with a view to criminal proceedings.We intend to consult Scottish local authorities about the introduction in the Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Bill of powers to enable them to enforce such offences in a way which would be appropriate to prosecution procedures in Scotland.