§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he is taking to discourage smoking amongst those under 16 years of age.
§ Mr. RichardsA wide variety of organisations are working locally and nationally to reduce the number of young people smoking. Health authorities were asked in "Caring for the Future" to pay particular attention to this group when drawing up their activity plans for promoting healthy lifestyles. Together with local education authorities, they are involved in projects such as life education centres and smokebusters, which are run through the Health Promotion Authority for Wales. Other, more general health education programmes include smoking as part of their broader approach.
The Government also encourage and monitor the enforcement of existing laws and voluntary agreements relating to tobacco sales to under 16-year-olds, and to relevant advertising and sponsorship issues.