§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are his policies and priorities regarding support for research on tobacco-related diseases; what recent representations he has received on this subject; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyWe support research which will assist in reducing the ill effects of tobacco usage on the health of the nation. A priority is to establish methods of assisting people not to smoke or to smoke less dangerously. Studies include investigations of why children smoke, methods of smoking cessation, the role of smoking in heart disease, respiratory disorders and pregnancy, and investigations of the effects on health of changes in the tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide yields of cigarettes. Research in this field is co-ordinated by the Independent Scientific Committee on Smoking and Health, the Department's Committee into Behavioural Aspects of Smoking and Health, the Health Education Council and Action on Smoking and Health. In addition, the Medical Research Council has recently formed a smoking research review committee. Representations on this subject have recently 617W been received from a number of bodies including the Royal College of Physicians and the British Medical Association.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, as part of his new agreement with the tobacco industries, if he will make it his policy to seek the continuance of the Health Promotion Research Trust; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe Health Promotion Research Trust does not figure in the discussions leading to a new voluntary agreement on the advertising and promotion of tobacco products.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many meetings he has now had with tobacco companies to discuss health warnings; which specific companies he has met; and what agreements have been reached.
§ Mr. WhitneyEight meetings with the tobaccoindustry, represented by the Tobacco Advisory Council, have been held at ministerial or official level to discuss the voluntary agreement on advertising, promotion and health warnings in respect of tobacco products. We hope to announce the outcome shortly.