Vol. 435 No. 9
65 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Health if cigarettes for sale at duty free shops in this country carry Government health warnings; if so, if the policy is rigidly enforced; if cigarette manufacturers are obliged to have the recognised health warnings printed on all packets of cigarettes purchased at duty-free shops within the EC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is not obligatory for cigarettes for sale at duty free shops in this country to carry Government health warnings.
The Tobacco Products (Control of Advertising, Sponsorship and Sales Promotion) Regulations, 1991, detail the requirements for health warnings on cigarette packets. Duty free cigarettes are specifically exempted from the Regulations.
It is not proposed at this time to introduce a stipulation that cigarette packets in "duty free" carry a warning. However, as health warnings are now required Community-wide, it is probable that cigarette packaging in duty-free may begin to carry warnings. It is a matter which I will raise with my Community colleagues.
Such warnings are not covered by any EC Directive.
