§ 33. Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he plans to bring forward any measures during the current Session of Parliament to seek to reduce the incidence of cigarette smoking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyThere are at present no plans to introduce legislation. The Government are committed to reducing the incidence of cigarette smoking by way of voluntary agreements with the tobacco industry, and we are currently having discussions with the tobacco industry about a new voluntary agreement to control the advertising of tobacco products. Other measures being taken include a £1 million campaign to test the effect of media advertising in discouraging teenagers from smoking and a new health promotional drive in the schools organised by the Health Education Council.