Smoking

HC Deb 25 July 1989 vol 157 cc662-3W

20. Mr. Adley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received about smoking.

Mr. Freeman

I receive a number of representations on this important subject, from a range of interested bodies.

Mr. Jack

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the results of the 1988 Office of Population Censuses and Surveys survey of teenage smoking; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

The results of this survey were published yesterday in an Office of Population Censuses and Surveys report entitled "Smoking among secondary school children in England in 1988" [ISBN 0 11 691267 7]. Copies have been placed in the Library.

The results of the survey show that the decline in teenage smoking revealed by the 1986 survey has been confirmed, and there is evidence of a further decline in 1988. The prevalence of regular smoking among teenagers aged 11–15 is estimated at 7 per cent. for boys and 9 per cent. for girls. This is well below the level of 13 per cent. for both boys and girls seen in 1984. The results of this survey will be of great value in helping to determine the precise strategy to be used in the new teenage smoking campaign announced by the Prime Minister in January. This should encourage health workers, teachers and parents to continue their worthwhile efforts to persuade young people not to take up this dangerous habit.