asked the Minister for Health the last date on which he had discussions with representatives of the tobacco industry with regard to health warnings on cigarette packets and cigarette advertising; and when he intends to meet with them again.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cigarette Health Warnings.
17.
I last discussed this matter with representatives of the Irish Tobacco Manufacturers Advisory Committee on 28th October, 1971, as a result of which the cigarette manufacturers agreed that all packets of cigarettes produced by them for trade in this country would carry a Government health warning and that cigarette advertisements in newspapers and magazines and on posters would carry a reference to this health warning on the packets. To allow the manufacturers a reasonable period for the exhaustion of existing packing materials and for the printing of new packets, this agreement was to be implemented progressively as from 1st May, 1972.
All main brands covered by the agreement now carry the Government health warning and their advertisements in newspapers and magazines and on posters carry a reference to this warning. I am informed that the remaining brands will carry the health warning on all packets issued after 31st December, 1972, and that their advertisements in newspapers and magazines and on posters will carry a reference to the health warning within a month after that date.
I have not made arrangements for a further meeting with representatives of the tobacco manufacturers on this subject but will, of course, do so should this be necessary.
Can the Minister state if this applies to cigarettes which may be imported from EEC countries where these regulations do not apply?
I do not think it would apply, but the numbers involved are very small.
In view of our imminent entry into the EEC I am sure the Minister will appreciate there should be some provision in this regard.
I could not say what the provision would be.