HC Deb 11 May 1970 vol 801 c798
5. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, what further proposals he has to reduce cigarette smoking.

Mr. Crossman

I cannot at present add to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin) on 3rd November.—[Vol. 790, c. 647.]

Mr. Sheldon

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, despite the progress made in this matter, it is still pitifully slow by comparison with the magnitude of the problem? Therefore, would he not consider introducing proper labelling on the packets themselves, ensuring that a full examination is made of differential taxes between cigarettes and other forms of tobacco, and even completely prohibiting advertising of this substance, which is causing such slaughter?

Mr. Crossman

I am aware of the seriousness of the situation, and it is precisely because of this that I am anxious to ensure that, when we produce legislation, it is relevant to the major problems and not not deal merely with a side issue.

Dr. Winstanley

Is it not time that we in this House set a proper example in this connection? Is it not intolerable that hon. Members who are non-smokers should have to occupy desks in rooms with smokers? Is not this field of smoking and non-smoking the only one in which apartheid is justified?

Mr. Crossman

On that subject, I have nothing to add to my original reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin) on 3rd November.