asked the President of the Board of Trade when Her Majesty's Government will take steps to implement the Monopolies Commission report on the tobacco industry.

My right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement shortly.

In view of the time which has elapsed since the previous statement, which was made on 5th July, cannot the Minister go a little further than that? Has the industry considered the matter? Has it told the Government whether it proposes to seek to implement the Report of the Royal Commission, which, the hon. Gentleman will recall, made two strong recommendations on issues which, it said, were affecting the public interest? What is the cause of all this delay?

Consultations with the trade have now been completed and my right hon. Friend is considering his decision.