HC Deb 30 January 1979 vol 961 c361W
10. Mr. Sims

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the progress of his Department's campaign to discourage smoking.

Mr. Ennals

There is clear and encouraging evidence of real progress. The proportion of adults who do not smoke continues to rise. The sales of cigarettes are still falling; the latest reduction reported by the industry was 5.8 per cent. for the year ending 30 April 1978 compared with the corresponding period in 1976–77. Moreover, those who continue to smoke have become more conscious of the tar content of cigarettes and are turning to lower tar cigarettes.