Ms Claire Gordon:

We have considered that issue. At the moment, there is no evidence that more cigarettes being in a box leads to an increase in consumption. Under the WHO framework convention on tobacco control, FCTC, a ban on selling boxes of cigarettes with fewer than 20 cigarettes is recommended, and we certainly have that ban in the law here. As set out in the convention on tobacco control, if cigarettes are sold in smaller boxes, they become more affordable for minors. Many smokers began by buying a single cigarette over the counter. That was the way it used to work. When you were a kid, you could afford to buy one cigarette with your pocket money. In 2002 we brought in a ban on boxes with fewer than 20 cigarettes. There must be a minimum of 20 cigarettes in a box. Right now in 2021, there is insufficient evidence that boxes with more than 20 cigarettes cause an increase in consumption. The issue was considered in an Australian study earlier this year which stated that there is a dearth of evidence that having more cigarettes in a box causes the person to smoke more. That is not to say that evidence will not be found in the future but, for now, we do not have a basis on which to examine that issue. We have a basis in respect of boxes with fewer than 20 cigarettes because they make it more affordable for minors. That is well known and it has been stated in the FCTC. The WHO understands that to be an issue. However, there is no evidence at this stage that boxes with more than 20 cigarettes are an issue.