HC Deb 02 February 1998 vol 305 cc509-10W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the change in the last 10 years in the totals of(a) women and (b) men under the age of 24 years who are smokers of tobacco; and if he will make a statement.[26474]

Ms Jowell

The available information is in the table.

Prevalence of cigarette smoking amongst persons aged 16 to 24, England, 1986 to 1996
Percentage
Year Men Women
1986 36 35
1988 33 33
1990 34 36
1992 35 32
Prevalence of cigarette smoking amongst persons aged 16 to 24, England, 1986 to 1996
Percentage
Year Men Women
1994 36 34
1996 34 35

Notes:

1. Percentages rounded to the nearest whole figure.

Source:

Office for National Statistics General Household Surveys.

Any rise in young people's smoking is cause for concern. Measures to reduce smoking will be published in our White Paper on tobacco control later this year.