§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals he has to discourage children from smoking.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Government are already actively attacking the problem. Earlier this year our grant to the Health Education Council was increased by £½ million in order to finance additional anti-smoking campaigns aimed particularly at young people. A new television campaign aimed at families is planned for the new year. The maximum fine for illegally selling cigarettes to children has recently been increased, and we have provided guidelines to retailers aimed at ensuring that the law is properly observed. Earlier this year a leaflet drawing attention to the health hazards of smoking was sent to schools throughout the country. We shall remain alert to future opportunities for Government action in this area.