§ 29. Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why he will not introduce legislation this Session to 1025 restrict cigarette advertising and sales promotion; and what further steps he is taking to increase the effectiveness of deterrent propaganda against smoking among young people.
§ Mr. CrossmanI am now considering a number of proposals designed to discourage cigarette smoking, especially among young people. The preparation of adequate measures is by no means easy and it is unlikely that the Parliamentary timetable will allow legislation this Session. The Health Education Council is undertaking several measures of publicity, and also research into the effectiveness of the smoking and health campaign and of the different techniques that can be used.
§ Mr. CroninI appreciate that there are some difficulties in this matter, but is it not the case that my right hon. Friend accepts the report of the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health that over 50,000 people die yearly as a result of cigarette smoking? Would he not, therefore, agree that it must follow that in course of next year another 50,000 people will be lured to their deaths by the cigarette manufacturers, and is there not some urgency in the matter?
§ Mr. CrossmanThere is enormous urgency in the matter, and I accept the figures of Sir George Godber. But the sole issue is not how or whether one taxes cigarette advertising: there are other ways of handling the problem, and I believe that our own positive propaganda, especially to young people, must take top priority.
§ Mr. MawbyWill the right hon. Gentleman not ignore the fact that at present the tax from tobacco is almost equal to the cost of the whole National Health Service?
§ Mr. CrossmanI certainly do not ignore it, and I suspect that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer does not, either.