EU DIRECTIVE ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Early day motion 1159, tabled 20 November 2000 by John Cummings (Labour). Signed by 26 members.

That this House congratulates Her Majesty's Government on its renewed efforts to educate young people about the dangers associated with smoking; notes the considerable tax revenue raised in excise taxes on cigarettes; is concerned about the export of UK manufacturing jobs which will be brought about by the implementation of the draft Directive on the manufacture, sale and presentation of tobacco products; is concerned that these job losses will bring none of the health benefits claimed by the European Commission; applauds The Sun newspaper for highlighting the disproportionate impact of this Directive on jobs in the UK, particularly in the constituency of Easington; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to take account of the representations of the Tobacco Workers Alliance and change its position on the export ban in the Directive.

Signatures by party: Labour 18, Liberal Democrat 3, UUP 3, Labour/Co-operative 2.