asked the Minister for Health if he accepts that the non smoking campaign launched by the Health Advisory bureau has in general been ineffective; and, if so, the action he proposes to take.
Written Answers. - Anti-Smoking Campaign.
42.
I do not accept that the no smoking campaign launched by the Health Education Bureau is ineffective. Research carried out for the bureau indicated that 89 per cent of the public was aware of the anti-smoking campaign in June 1985. At the beginning of the campaign in November 1984 52 per cent of those interviewed recognised the symbol of the knotted cigarette. By June of this year 81 per cent recognised it. Whereas 14 per cent were familar with the pun on word ‘Knot' in November, 48 per cent were aware of it in June.
I view the anti-smoking campaign as one vital part of efforts to tackle the serious public health problems posed by smoking. It is for this reason that I hope to introduce shortly a Bill containing a provision which will impose a levy on the advertising and sponsorship expenditures of tobacco companies. The money raised by this levy will be made available to the Health Education Bureau to extend their educational campaigns to encourage people to stop smoking.