§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much he estimates was spent in 1978 on cigarette advertising and other forms of publicity compared with the amount spent on persuading people not to smoke.
§ Sir George YoungExpenditure on advertising and other publicity by the tobacco industry is not published, and I have insufficient information on which to base an estimate. However, the hon. Member may wish to note that in 1977 the first report from the Expenditure Committee said in paragraph 148
The tobacco companies spend about £70 million each year on promotion (Q 1637), of which £25 million is on straight advertisingPersuading people not to smoke is a task undertaken by a wide range of organisations, including the health professions, a number of voluntary bodies, local authority education departments and health authorities. The amount they spend on this work cannot be quantified.The Health Education Council undertakes continuing campaigns to dissuade people from smoking. In the financial year 1978–79 the council spent £325,000 specifically on smoking and health campaigns. It also spent £982,000 on its better health campaign, which included emphasis of the dangers of smoking; it is not possible to indicate the actual expenditure under this heading.