GANGSTERS could benefit when branding is removed from cigarette packaging, Bury North's MP believes.

David Nuttall made the point during a question-and-answer session in Parliament on March 2.

From this May, all cigarette packet makers must ensure the packaging is plain with no graphics, save for warnings about the damaging effects cigarettes can have.

The 'standardised' packaging will be gradually phased in and made compulsory in May 2017.

It follows the introduction of a Parliamentary Act aimed at dissuading young people from taking up smoking.

Shops are already required to keep cigarettes out of sight.

Mr Nuttall asked: "Does my right honourable friend share my concern that the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco products could lead to an increase in cross-border organised crime?"

His theory is that, without packaging, it will be easier for crime gangs to counterfeit cigarettes.

Mr Nuttall particularly had Northern Ireland in mind, given that people can cross into the Republic of Ireland without border checks, though the fear also extends to the Channel crossing.

Northern Ireland Minister Theresa Villiers answered: "It is hugely important that the police do all they can to tackle tobacco smuggling and I know that it is taken very seriously.

"It may be something that can be considered by the new joint agency taskforce on cross-border crime.

"It is a serious crime and those who buy illegal cigarettes are supporting and funding evil criminals who are involved in significant violence.

"It is not a victimless crime and I urge everyone to avoid purchasing such products."

Cancer Research UK has long campaigned for plain packaging.

A spokesman for the charity said: "The packaging helps hide and distract from the truth that tobacco will kill half of all long-term smokers.

"It's a product full of poisons that harm those who smoke and those around them.

"Packs provide a veil behind which lies a devastating truth — more than 100,000 UK deaths every year."

Forest, which is is a smokers' rights group funded by tobacco companies, takes the opposing view.

Its director Simon Clark said: "The jury is still out on the impact of plain packaging.

"The claim that a quarter of the total decline in smoking rates in Australia is attributable to plain packaging since the legislation was introduced is speculation not fact.

"Figures suggest that plain packaging has made little or no difference."