(North Norfolk) (LD):...The next
issue is the introduction of a ban in India on the production,
import and sale of e-cigarettes because of concerns about the risks
that they pose to health and to the young. Again, an assertion has
been made that is at risk of infecting the debate that we have in
this country. However, Public Health England has explained:
India is one of several countries that appears to be responding
to the outbreak of lung disease among cannabis”
vapers
“by proposing a ban on nicotine inhalers.”
It has also explained that smoking is far more prevalent in India
and causes 7 million deaths a year there.
(Rother Valley) (Lab): Is it
not true that India has a massive vested public interest in the
tobacco industry?
: I suspect that the right hon.
Gentleman knows better than I do, but I note the point that he
makes.My view, based on the evidence that the Committee heard, is
that the action taken by India is not based on evidence and is
likely to result in more people dying of lung cancer. I think
that is shameful...
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social
Care ():...It is fair to say that
opinions on e-cigarettes are divided, both in the UK and
globally. It is important that we listen to concerns, while
looking objectively at the evidence base and seeking to build it
further, which I think is the point that the right hon. Member
for North Norfolk was making. On the question of research, I
assure him that there is an NHS England dedicated lead—a director
for prevention—in place, overseeing the NHS long-term plan
commitments. I note the right hon. Gentleman’s comments about
India and the fact that making decisions too quickly, not based
on the research that is available, has unintended
consequences...
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