§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to reduce the take up rate of smoking amongst young women. [38224]
§ Ms JowellIn 1998/99 the Government are funding a Health Education Authority run adult smoking education campaign costing £5.5 million, which identifies 5 key target groups, two of which are women and pregnant women aged 16 -24, and also fund a teenage smoking campaign costing £1 million which especially focuses on teenage girls (ages 11– 15).
We are currently considering ways in which to reduce tobacco consumption and our conclusions will form part of the Tobacco Control White Paper, which will be published later this year.
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§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what actions his Department has taken to increase public awareness of the short-term and long-term effects of passive smoking on health. [38223]
§ Ms JowellThe Department recently published (on 11 March 1998 by Press Conference) a report by the Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health. The report describes the major issues considered by the committee, including the health effects of exposure of non-smokers to environmental tobacco smoke and lists the committee's conclusions and recommendations.
Copies of the report have been placed in the Library and copies are available from the Stationery Office.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce legislation to regulate smoking in public places. [38222]
§ Ms JowellWe are currently considering what measures might be included in the Tobacco Control White Paper to be published later this year.