§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to start an initiative to reduce the use of tobacco and other drugs in Third world developing countries.
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§ Mrs. ChalkerThe health hazards of tobacco smoking are well established and the Government recognise that tobacco smoking is becoming an increasing health problem in developing countries. The reduction of tobacco consumption in developing countries is a matter for the Governments of the countries concerned. The United Kingdom, through its subscription to the WHO, is supporting that organisation's "Tobacco or Health" programme which helps countries develop tobacco control policies. In addition, the Government stand ready to draw on their wide experience of anti-smoking health education and the epidemiology of smoking-related diseases in order to advise Governments who request help to formulate their tobacco control policies.
As the Prime Minister announced at the world ministerial drugs summit in London in April, the United Kingdom is setting up a demand reduction task force to provide expert advice to developing countries on ways of reducing the demand for drugs. It will draw in our expertise in community drug prevention initiatives, drugs education, treatment and rehabilitation.