HC Deb 18 June 1998 vol 314 cc309-10W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the smoking trends for all categories of young people below the age of 30 years in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available. [46483]

Ms Jowell

The information is not available in the form requested. The prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults aged 16-34 and school children aged 11-15, in England, in 1982–1996, is given in the tables.

Table 1: Prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults aged 16-34 by sex and age group—England 1982 to 1996
Percentage
Men Women
Year 16–19 20–24 25–34 16–19 20–24 25–34
1982 31 39 40 31 39 36
1984 28 39 39 31 35 35
1986 30 41 37 31 38 35
1988 28 37 37 27 37 33
1990 28 39 37 33 39 34
1992 29 39 35 24 37 32
1994 28 42 34 28 38 30
1996 25 43 38 32 37 33

Source:

Office for National Statistics General Household Survey, 1982–1996

proposals, a submission will be made to Ministers. We will give it careful consideration and make a decision in due course.