HC Deb 14 April 1976 vol 909 cc578-9W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has made to tobacco manufacturers and retailers about the need to enforce the law on sales of cigarettes to children; and what response he has received.

Dr. Owen

The Tobacco Advisory Committee has said that since the Government delicensed tobacco retailers the Committee has no means of repeating its 1962 circular to tobacco retailers. However, the Federation of Retail Tobacconists in the February issue of its publication the Retail Tobacconist included an editorial about sale of cigarettes to children and a notice which members could display in their shops. We shall be discussing with the Federation what more might be done to remind tobacconists of the law.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he has taken or plans to take to monitor the actual extent of cigarette sales to children.

Dr. Owen

The sale of cigarettes to children under the age of 16 is a criminal offence and the law is enforced in the normal way. Monitoring depends, therefore, on public vigilance.

Forward to