HC Deb 27 January 1964 vol 688 cc15-6W
66. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Health what has been the total amount spent in each of the past five years in his attempt to dissuade young people from acquiring the smoking habit.

Mr. Barber

I regret that this expenditure cannot be separately identified.

67. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Health how many posters were printed for his Department with the slogan "Cigarettes cause Cancer"; what was the cost of printing; how many posters have been displayed; what has been done with the residue; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Barber

About 550,000 posters with the slogan "Cigarettes Cause Lung Cancer" were printed at a cost of about £3,500; nearly 440,000 have been distributed for display; the rest are in stock and orders are still being received.

Lord Balniel

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to intensify his campaign to discourage young people from smoking.

Mr. Barber

The health education campaign is being vigorously pursued. It has received valuable impetus from the publicity given to the recent American Report, which strongly reinforces the findings of the Royal College of Physicians that cigarette smoking is a serious danger to health.

Lord Balniel

asked the Minister of Health what assessment he has made as to the effectiveness of last year's campaign to discourage young people from smoking.

Mr. Barber

This is a long-term campaign and it is hardly possible to assess accurately its effects so far, but I am sure that the public, including young people, are now far more aware of the dangers of smoking.