§ Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much is spent on health education to reduce smoking among those under 16.
§ Mr. SackvilleIn 1994–95, £1.4 million has been allocated to the Health Education Authority's anti-smoking programme aimed specifically at teenagers. In addition, £12 million has been earmarked for the three-year national health education campaign on smoking. Particular emphasis will be placed on addressing parents, whose smoking habits and attitudes have a vital influence on smoking by their children.
Schools are required to provide education about the dangers of smoking. They allocate resources accordingly from the funding devolved to them. Expenditure on health education programmes in schools is not available centrally.
Health authority health promotion units are also involved in local campaigns to dissuade teenagers from smoking; however, detailed information on expenditure on these activities is not available centrally.