The tobacco industry campaign to block plans for a display ban from 2011 received a boost from the shadow health minister this week.

Conservative MP Mike Penning attacked the Health Bill, which contains the display ban proposals, on his blog.

He also set out his party’s opposition to the Bill, which was introduced last month and is in the committee stage.

“We are committed to doing all we can to reduce smoking rates, particularly among young people, but remain unconvinced at the evidence base so far presented,” he said.

The impact of a ban on small shops was of particular concern, he said. “Can it be right, given the existing challenges, to impose another burden and additional risks on those selling a legal product?”

There was not sufficient evidence to endorse a ban on point of sale, he added, calling on the Government to consider alternatives such as a further crackdown on smuggling and more support for smokers trying to quit.

There was a duty not to let initiatives to cut smoking come at the expense of small businesses, he said.

The Conservative Party would be engaging in “constructive debate with the Government as the Bill goes through Parliament”, he added.

Penning’s stance was welcomed by retail representatives.

“It is right to look at policy alternatives that are far more likely to be effective, in particular deterrents to adults who choose to supply tobacco to children,” said ACS public affairs director Shane Brennan.

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