§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that forthcoming public information anti-smoking campaigns will raise awareness of the link between smoking and stroke; and what targets have been set to reduce the number of stroke deaths caused by smoking. [90553]
§ Ms BlearsThe Department's current television advertising campaign is based on testimonials in which real people describe the effects of their illnesses and their feelings about having smoked.
Since January 2002, one of the testimonials we are showing has featured a 38-year-old man who describes how his life has been devastated by a series of smoking related strokes.
One of the warnings required to appear on cigarette packets in accordance with the Tobacco Products (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale) (Safety) Regulations 2002 warns that, "Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes".
Although no specific targets have been set for stroke deaths, we have a series of smoking prevalence targets. By reducing the overall level of smoking we will tackle all smoking related illness, including strokes. My officials have recently met with the Stroke Association to examine what more can be done to raise awareness of the risks of smoking related strokes.