§ 33. Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Health what report he has received from the Acting Principal School Medical Officer to the Special Services Board of Oxfordshire Education Committee on the smoking habits of children aged between 11 and 19 years; and whether, in view of the fact that where children know about the connection between smoking and health there is less smoking by them, he will take steps to give publicity, especially in schools, to the dangers to health caused by smoking.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have not received a report but have seen references to it in the Press. Local health authorities have already been asked to publicise the risks attached to smoking as part of their health education arrangements and in cooperation with local education authorities they are paying particular attention to school children.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWill the Minister get in touch with the President of the Board of Trade and the Chancellor of the Exchequer and see whether something really effective cannot be done to discourage smoking by young people? Is he totally unaware of the violent feelings of the medical profession, educationists, parents and public opinion in general? What is the point of thousands of pounds 801 being spent in cancer research when more money is being spent in this country at the present time through advertising in trying to persuade young people to smoke?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe hon. Gentleman will perhaps recall that in August I sent a further circular to the local health authorities asking for their reports on the measures taken by them to date and inviting suggestions from them. I have now received those reports and I am studying them and am considering, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education, whether any further measures are now called for.
§ Dr. SummerskillWhy does not the Minister adopt the same measure as he adopts in the field of public health? He would be supported by non-smokers and smokers—in fact, everybody except the tobacco trade—in this effort to stop young children acquiring the smoking habit. The right hon. and learned Gentleman knows the methods that we adopt in public health when we want to bring to the notice of the people the necessity to acquire good habits. Why does he refuse to use them in respect of smoking?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe right hon. Lady will appreciate that I have received the reports for which I asked from the local health authorities, and I think she would feel it appropriate that I should now study them to see what further action is called for. A great deal of our attention has been directed to young people and children. The report which is the subject of the Question shows that where children knew about the connection there was less smoking. It also shows—I think this is of some interest—that where both parents smoke the risk of the child smoking is about three times as great.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIn view of the Minister's reply, and to give him a chance of telling us what conclusions he reaches and us a chance of pressing him to take action, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment if I am fortunate enough to be able to do so.