To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the recent discussions between UK Government officials and European Union officials on Reduced Ignition Propensity cigarettes; and if he will make a statement. (81043)

[holding answer 29 June 2006]: There have been recent discussions within the General Product Safety Directive Committee meeting on 14 June 2006. The UK position in those discussions (agreed between my Department, the Department of Health and the Department for Communities and Local Government) was that there was sufficient evidence to recommend the development of a European technical standard for Reduced Ignition Propensity cigarettes. The European Commission has indicated that it will undertake further investigation of the need for such action.

The Government will issue a statement regarding Reduced Ignition Propensity cigarettes shortly.