Databank. Smoking kills

Databank

Smoking kills

The Government is to mount a £100 million war against tobacco to cut the number of people smoking by 1.5 million by 2010. Up to £60 million will fund the first ever smoking cessation programme with advice clinics and support for the seven out of ten smokers who say they want to give up the habit. Counsellors will offer a week's supply of nicotine replacement therapy free of charge to those smokers who are least able to afford it. Smokers motivated to give up will also be able to enrol for courses where available. The Health Education Authority will develop smoking cessation guidelines for health professionals endorsed by professional bodies. To protect children from the effects of tobacco advertising, secondary legislation will be brought forward to end tobacco advertising on billboards at the earliest practicable opportunity. New criminal offences will be considered for repeated sales of tobacco to under-age children. The target is to reduce smoking among children from 13 to 9 per cent or less by the year 2010. This will mean approximately 110,000 fewer children smoking.