§ Dr. Phippsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will seek 59W to amend the law so as to bring into effect in the United Kingdom the recent recommendations of the World Health Organisation against smoking.
§ Dr. OwenI would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Ealing North (Mr. Molloy) on 12th November.
The Government's strategy for the control and prevention of tobacco smoking was set out in the debate on 16th January. The Government propose to use statutory powers under the Medicines Act to license the use of tobacco substitutes and additives and, following consultations with those concerned, a draft affirmative Order to make these powers available will be laid before Parliament shortly.
The Government are also seeking to reach new voluntary agreements with the tobacco industry as part of the strategy to reduce the risks to health from smoking based on expert medical and scientific advice from the Hunter Committee. The main aim will be to achieve a steady reduction over the next few years in yields of tar and other potentially harmful substances in cigarette smoke and an end to the promotion and advertising of brands with yields judged, in the light of independent scientific and medical advice, to be excessive. Another aim will be to secure stronger and more prominent health warnings on cigarette packets and advertisements.
The Government will continue to help finance the campaign to persuade and help smokers to give un smoking altogether and especially to persuade young people from starting to smoke.—[Vol. 899, c. 798–9; Vol. 903, c. 802–14.]