HC Deb 15 July 1981 vol 8 c397W
Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy in respect of the recommendations contained in the second report of the Independent Scientific Committee on Smoking and Health concerning the reduction of average tar and nicotine yields of cigarettes.

Sir George Young

My right hon. Friend continues to attach importance to achieving further progress towards reducing the yields of noxious substances in cigarette smoke, and values the advice of the Independent Scientific Committee on Smoking and Health on this subject. The recommendations of the committee, contained in its second Report and in Lord Hunter's letter of 5 December 1979 to Health Ministers, were therefore taken into account in negoiating the voluntary agreement with the tobacco industry which my right hon. Friend announced on 21 November 1980—[Vol. 994, c. 190–95.]

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration he took into account at the time of reviewing the chairmanship of the Independent Scientific Committee on Smoking and Health when appointing Lord Hunter's successor.

Sir George Young

We took into account the qualities required in an effective chairman of this important committee.

Great Britain—(thousands)
Married men†
Duration of unemployment All males Single men* No child All with children 1 child 2 children 3 children 4 or more children
All periods 1,194 639 237 318 108 113 58 38
Over 1 year 195 93 37 64 19 20 14 11
Notes: The sum of individual columns may not equal the corresponding total, because of rounding.
* Includes (i) men whose marital status is not known; (ii) men with adult or child dependants.
† Whether or not receiving an increase for a wife or other adult dependant.

Sources: Five per cent. sample of claimants to unemployment benefit or credits at 13 November 1980 and two per cent. sample of supplementary benefit recipients at 3 December 1980.