HC Deb 27 October 1993 vol 230 c694W
Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the percentage of regular smokers among 11 to 15-year-olds in boys and girls in 1990 and 1992; and what is the target for this age group in "The Health of the Nation".

Mr. Sackville

The Office of Population Censuses and Surveys reports of smoking among secondary schoolchildren in 1990 and 1992 provide the following information about smoking prevalence among 11 to 15-year-olds. Copies of both reports are available in the Library.

Regular smokers among boys and girls aged 11 to 15 years: England, 1990 to 1992
Per cent.
Boys Girls Total
1990 9 11 10
1992 9 10 10

Source: OPCS.

The "Health of the Nation" target for 11 to 15-year-olds is to reduce smoking by at least 33 per cent. by 1994 (from about 8 per cent. in 1988 to less than 6 per cent.).