§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his revised target date for meeting the "The Health of the Nation" target on teenage smoking; and what steps he is taking to reach this target. [3427]
§ Mr. HoramEfforts will continue to achieve the target level of 6 per cent. for teenage smoking as soon as possible.
The teenage lifestyle programme, "Respect" was launched in July and will cost up to £1 million a year for three years. Adult health education programmes will encourage parents to set a good example. Other measures in the Government strategy, including increasing tax and preventing illegal sales, are continuing.
§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of whether the series of events for teenagers currently being sponsored by the Gallaher tobacco company conforms to the voluntary agreement on tobacco advertising in respect of(a) the requirement not to encourage smoking in general and 251W (b) the requirement not to target young people; and if he will make representations to the company to halt further events pending clarification. [3428]
§ Mr. HoramThe operation of the voluntary agreement is overseen by the Committee for Monitoring Agreements on Tobacco Advertising and Sponsorship. I have no reason to suspect that the events being sponsored by Silk Cut breach the voluntary agreement, but I am confident that the committee will fully investigate any evidence put to it.