Written questions by Glindon.

What steps he is taking to consult with the vaping industry before the reintroduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Since September 2023, the Department has not met with the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA). However, we have received and responded to several items of correspondence.The UKVIA, and other members of the vaping industry, did respond to the smoke-free generation and youth vaping consultation that ran from 12 October to 6 December 2023. We will also be consulting further with all interested parties before any future vaping regulations are introduced. Any meeting requests should be sent through the appropriate formal channels.

If he will meet the UK Vaping Industry Association to discuss work with the vaping industry on the Government’s smoke-free ambitions.

Since September 2023, the Department has not met with the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA). However, we have received and responded to several items of correspondence.The UKVIA, and other members of the vaping industry, did respond to the smoke-free generation and youth vaping consultation that ran from 12 October to 6 December 2023. We will also be consulting further with all interested parties before any future vaping regulations are introduced. Any meeting requests should be sent through the appropriate formal channels.

If he will meet with the UK Vaping Industry Association to discuss the introduction of a Vape Licensing Scheme.

Since September 2023, the Department has not met with the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA). However, we have received and responded to several items of correspondence.The UKVIA, and other members of the vaping industry, did respond to the smoke-free generation and youth vaping consultation that ran from 12 October to 6 December 2023. We will also be consulting further with all interested parties before any future vaping regulations are introduced. Any meeting requests should be sent through the appropriate formal channels.

Whether he will include measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to ensure that vapes remain easily accessible as a smoking cessation tool.

Our position on vapes is clear, that they can be an effective quit aid for adult smokers, but that they are not recommended for non-smokers or children, and there are legitimate concerns about the unknown long-term harms from vaping.Following the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, adult smokers will still be able to access vapes as well as other alternative methods to stop smoking. Vapes are commonly used alongside behavioural support within local Stop Smoking Services, helping thousands of adults each year to live healthier lives.In addition, we remain committed to our national Swap to Stop scheme, supporting adult smokers to swap cigarettes for vapes under a new national scheme, the first of its kind in the world.

What discussions his Department has had with the UK Vaping Industry Association since September 2023.

Since September 2023, the Department has not met with the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA). However, we have received and responded to several items of correspondence.The UKVIA, and other members of the vaping industry, did respond to the smoke-free generation and youth vaping consultation that ran from 12 October to 6 December 2023. We will also be consulting further with all interested parties before any future vaping regulations are introduced. Any meeting requests should be sent through the appropriate formal channels.