Ms Claire Gordon:

On the Deputy's first point, as I stated, we have considered the issue of packets containing more than 20 cigarettes. At the moment, there is no evidence on the matter. I understand what the Deputy is saying. Intuitively, it sounds correct, but the evidence is not there to support it. There is not enough evidence to justify a prohibition on packets of more than 20 cigarettes. An Australian paper published in April or August 2021 stated there is a dearth of evidence on this issue. The measures in tobacco control are evidence based because, in effect, we are regulating and preventing people from going about their normal business and making a living. Irrespective of what we think of the product, people are entitled to import, manufacture and sell tobacco products. These products are not illegal. For every measure we take and every measure in the Bill, we need evidence that shows that if we do this, it will reduce consumption. That evidence is not currently available in the context of packets with more than 20 cigarettes. If such evidence becomes available, it is definitely something at which we will look, but there is no evidence currently available to state that it has an impact.