European Union

[kate]

I've been warned that the push against ecigs is coming from the WHO via the EU. We really have to keep on top of European issues because even if we beat the MHRA the EU could still bugger everything up.

This is the latest drivel:

ORAL QUESTION for Question Time at the part-session in June 2010 pursuant to Rule 116 of the Rules of Procedure by Justas Vincas Paleckis to the Commission

Subject: Electronic cigarettes
Parents in a number of EU Member States are concerned that electronic cigarettes, also known as electronic nicotine inhalers, are apparently becoming increasingly available among schoolchildren. These cigarettes are particularly dangerous for children, who become addicted more quickly than adults do. Large doses of nicotine can be highly poisonous.
Children can easily get hold of these electronic cigarettes, which are sold online. On ordinary cigarette packets there are warnings about the health dangers of smoking and it is clearly stated that cigarettes can only be purchased by those over the age of 18. Other restrictions also apply, and this is not the case for electronic cigarettes.
Does the Commission think it is about time steps were taken to put an end to the distribution of these electronic cigarettes on the internet, and does it think other action should be taken to protect the health of minors?

www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?language=EN&reference=H-2010-0253&secondRef=0&type=QT

It would be good if somebody would consider contacting that eejit and educating them.

[Chrissie]

Kate, am I being cynical in thinking that the so called "concerned parents" are most likely connected to Big pharm or the tobacco companies?

[kate]

Cynical but probably right Chrissie. It's a stupid argument that has no merit when it comes to restricting liberty but is very effective when making regulations by emotion. In my view, this is about supporting the pharmaceutical monopoly and wiping out competition.

What they're not taking into account is the counter argument about the ineffectiveness and risks of pharm products: www.electroniccigarettereview.com/target-candy-and-fruit-flavored-cigarette-bans-are-bull/

We haven't had much exploitation of the 'think of the children' argument in Europe yet but it's certainly on the way - the US are leading the way with stupid logic.

[Scylla]

Who'd've thought I'd one day be grateful for a Eurosceptic government

Well, at least there's a chance of counter-balancing the Tories' affection for Big Business. Let's see how friendly they are to Small Business now

scylla

[lolli]

What a complete load of .............. rubbish >
Such a con!

Any kids/children that get hold of a credit card & the internet can pretty much order ANYTHING - not just e cigs! Alcohol, porn, even various drugs!
Perhaps there will be a ban against Tesco's online service, incase kids order up a crate of beer & take to school.
The argument really is an insult to human intelligence.
Has the world turned into a flock of sheep, that all bleat in unison!

[Chrissie]

Ah but are they really Eurosceptic Scylla?

Well said Lolli!

[foxy9212]

Sure there are warnings on cigarette packets, that's why I and others of my close acquaintance were in the habit of removing them to a cigarette case/box rather than look at the nasties!

Why has no one suggested that cigarettes be sold in kiddy-proof containers? Why has no one insisted cigarette packets have every ingredient shown in the order of quantity as is the case with my simple face cream? There is, allegedly, enough nicotine in a packet of 20 cigarettes to kill two adults - or is there? As the nicotine content is shown nowhere on any tobacco product I've come across, perhaps there is no legislation to control this content?

We do know that tobacco kills; we know of no deaths connected with e-cigarettes! Do we?

Fox