§ Mr. Lofthouseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has about the action taken during the past six months by the tobacco industry, the Tobacco Council and other related bodies, in conjunction with his initiatives, to discourage illegal sales of cigarettes to children; if he will list all the steps that have been taken in this campaign; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Tobacco Advisory Council, representing the United Kingdom tobacco manufacturing 241W industry, launched a nationwide campaign in July aimed at increasing awareness of the law on illegal sale of cigarettes to children and encouraging its observance among shopkeepers and staff. I understand that as part of their initiative about 250,000 action packs containing explanatory brochures and adhesive warnings notices for display in shops have been distributed to retailers. Special notices for use on vending machines have also been issued. The Government support the aims of this campaign and earlier this year, following consultation with retail bodies, published separate guidelines to discourage illegal sale of cigarettes to children.