I found this revelation from Tory Earl Howe - representing the government's position - particularly interesting.
"My noble friend Lord Naseby and the noble Lord, Lord Faulkner, mentioned the issue of plain packaging. the tobacco control plan includes a commitment to consult on options to reduce the promotional impact of tobacco packaging, including an option to require plain packaging before the end of 2011."Easy there, Tiger. Why the haste?
Well, I think we know the answer to that. Because, as I mentioned in January, our politicians are involved in a global game of keeping up with the Joneses - or, "we're considerabloy stricter than yaow" - with Australia.
The upside-downers laid their cards on the table when the idea was first proposed.
If we act quickly, Australia can overtake the British Government and become the first country in the world to mandate that cigarettes be sold in plain packaging.But their ban - if it passes legal challenge - only takes effect from July 2012. Just time, then, for our own dictators to eradicate pack designs first if they get a wiggle on.
Now, considering a prime argument during yesterday's debate was how many extra people will die (no, they definitely will!) if packs aren't hidden right now or yesterday, I expect you can imagine the option health groups - who are the only people parliament listens to on such matters - will plump for in the upcoming consultation.
The era of classy cigarette cases may be on its way back quicker than we initially thought.
As an aside, you can view the debate via BBC's Democracy Live facility here (you may enjoy Lord Stoddart's contribution from 49:50 in). Keep your eye out for someone in the gallery - whose wages you are paying for being there - you may recognise. Probably just making sure the salient
