HC Deb 22 February 1972 vol 831 cc242-3W
29 and 74. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will now make the statement he promised last October on the efficacy of his agreement with tobacco manufacturers on voluntary health warnings; and whether he will proceed with negotiations with cigarette manufacturers for gift vouchers to carry clear health warnings when enclosed in cigarette packets, for gifts to be marked denoting their derivation from cigarette gift coupons, and for the Royal Warrant not to be reproduced on packets;

(2) what diminution of cigarette smoking has occurred since his voluntary agreement was concluded with manufacturers.

Sir K. Joseph

During 1971 the number of cigarettes sold was about 41 per cent less than in 1970, but I would hesitate to ascribe this to any one event in a year in which there were a number of events in the field of smoking and health. I am not yet in a position to announce any further decisions on this matter, but I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.