Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to Public Health England’s investigation into potential breaches of the prohibition of characterising flavours in the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, when Public Health England plan for (a) testing to begin on products of interest and (b) that investigation to conclude.

The Department has asked Public Health England to conduct testing analysis of cigarettes as part of its investigation into possible breaches of the prohibition of characterising flavours in tobacco products. This work should conclude in the summer. There are currently no plans to publish the results of the investigation. We understand that industry is complying with the investigation.