§ 25. Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what his policy is with regard to the problem of cigarette addiction, in view of the fact that more than 50,000 people in England and Wales die annually as a result of it and the widespread and disabling ill health it causes.
§ 38. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will introduce legislation to strengthen health warnings relating to cigarette smoking.
§ Sir K. JosephI would refer the hon. Members to the reply given to the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Sheldon) on 2nd November.—[Vol. 805, c. 270.]
§ Mr. CroninCould the Minister take rather quicker and more effective action than his reply envisages? Is it not an extraordinary situation that the Secretary of State's Chief Medical Officer in his report protests against the lavish use of advertising for promoting cigarette making? Are not the Government to some extent conniving at what amounts to mass slaughter by the tobacco companies?
§ Sir K. JosephI take the subject as seriously as does my Chief Medical Officer.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisMay I press this matter of advertising? Will the right hon. Gentleman look again at his reply in view of the widespread concern that has been expressed, with a view to suggesting an entirely new code for arrangements in this sensitive area?
§ Sir K. JosephI am considering this subject very seriously. I can assure the House on that.