HC Deb 11 February 1999 vol 325 cc367-8W
Mr. Sarwar

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action the Government are taking to reduce cigarette smoking among young people; and if he will make a statement. [69405]

Mr. Galbraith

The Government's recently published Tobacco Control White Paper "Smoking Kills", identified young people as a key target group, and the Government

working with the voluntary sector or the environment task force. [66633]

Mr. Dewar

[holding answer 26 January 1999]: The information, which relates to the position at the end of October 1998 is as follows:

will be devoting £5 million over the next 3 years to health education activity aimed at reducing smoking levels. The Scottish Office will also be working with key groups to draw up a new enforcement protocol for local authorities to deal with underage tobacco sales. The forthcoming Public Health White Paper will set out new targets for reducing smoking among children. From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.