asked the Minister for Health the total expense incurred by his Department in 1964 in publicising the adverse effects of cigarette smoking.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Adverse Effects of Smoking.
45.
Expenditure incurred by my Department in disseminating information on health and health services is not apportioned as between the different subjects covered. It is not practicable, therefore, to give the figure requested in the Deputy's question.
Why is it not practicable to give the figure? There was one pamphlet issued by the Department of Health regarding the deleterious effects of cigarette smoking.
Two, actually.
Why is it not possible?
Because they were included in a series of pamphlets on which a total costing was made of the price paid by the Department.
Would you divide one figure into the other?
The amount spent could be given.
This is usual procedure in a matter of this kind. A number of publications were grouped together as one cost item. We cannot itemise it.
There must be no long division in the Department.
I do not know what the Deputy is talking about.
He did not reach that stage yet. Subtraction is as far as he went.
46.
asked the Minister for Health if he will consider introducing legislation requiring cigarette packets to bear prominent warnings of the dangers to health of cigarette smoking.
I do not propose to introduce legislation of this kind.
Is the Minister aware that following the American College's recommendations about cigarette smoking such legislation has been introduced into America because they are quite aware of the fact that cigarette smoking is very dangerous to health, and it is at present being proposed for England, and in view of this, would he not give further consideration to this matter?
I understand the code of standards worked out at the request of the Minister for Health and adopted by the tobacco manufacturers in this country is working very well, and as long as that is working satisfactorily, the need for the legislation suggested does not appear to arise.