§ 19. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Health what further action he will take to publicise the connection between cigarette smoking and lung cancer.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithPublicity on this matter is a continuing responsibility for local health authorities as part of their arrangements for health education.
§ Mr. LiptonIs the Minister aware that, following the rather feeble and ineffectual lead of the Government in this matter, the campaign of the local health authorities is in many cases either feeble or non-existent? Will he not try to get a little bit of conscience money out of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Tobacco Duty to help to counteract the very expensive propaganda of the tobacco companies, which has resulted in an increase in cigarette smoking, despite all the medical evidence showing its disadvantages?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNo, I cannot accept the strictures of the hon. Gentleman. The object of this publicity is to make people aware that smokers of cigarettes are more likely to get lung cancer than non-smokers. I am satisfied that most people in this country—indeed, nearly all the people in this country—understand that point.