Tobacco: Smuggling

Debate between Lord Glentoran and Lord Sassoon

Thursday 26th April 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Sassoon]

My Lords, on plain packaging, it is important to recognise that this is an open consultation on which the Government do not have a view. The contributions we are getting are important and helpful to that ongoing consultation.

[Lord Glentoran]

My Lords, do the Government understand the enormous costs for those who manufacture the packaging? I was once part of Kodak and ran a print packaging outfit. Up and down the country, a huge number of people, as well as a lot of tax and money, are involved in the packaging of cigarettes. Frankly, I do not believe that plain packaging will make a tuppenny-bit of difference.

[Lord Sassoon]

Again I thank my noble friend and my answer is the same as I gave previously.