asked the Minister for Health the total sums spent in each of the years 1959 to 1961 by his Department on propaganda and literature publicising the dangers to health caused by cigarette-smoking in the Republic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dangers of Cigarette Smoking.
5.
It has been my policy to ensure that the facts in regard to the potential health dangers of excessive smoking are brought to the notice of the public and in pursuance of this policy statements have been made on the point and leaflets widely distributed. One such leaflet is intended for adults and one for young people. Their distribution has included all schools, youth clubs, scout organisations and health authorities.
As the cost of disseminating information on health and health services is not apportioned as between the various subjects covered, it is not practicable to ascertain expenditure specifically of the kind referred to by the Deputy.
Will the Minister not agree that figures given by the Taoiseach indicate that the efforts being made by the Government are ineffective in curbing the use of tobacco and would he not agree that some intensification of the drive by the Department of Health is necessary?
That is being considered.
6.
asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that the Swedish State Tobacco Company recommenced advertising because of the ineffectiveness of the cessation of advertising in reducing the incidence of cigarette-smoking; and whether in the light of this he will again consider the question of instituting an advertisement campaign against cigarette-smoking.
I understand that the Swedish tobacco monopoly has recommenced advertising, and in a recent issue a reputable medical journal has stated that Swedish experience suggests that prohibition of tobacco advertising would have little effect on consumption.
With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, I would refer him to the reply which I gave on the 14th instant to questions by him and by Deputy O.J. Flanagan regarding measures which I am taking and intend to take in this matter.
Is it not a fact that the reason the State Company recommenced advertising is that a cessation of advertising did nothing to reduce consumption of tobacco which, in fact, continued to increase? Could I ask the Minister for the reason for that decision?
My information is that the State company in Sweden regarded themselves as being placed in an unfair position because other importing companies were allowed to advertise and they were not. That is why they were allowed to advertise again. A reputable medical journal thought the advertising had very little effect.
Then is it not misleading to say that the reason they recommenced was not that the advertising was ineffective?
I do not think they gave that reason.
To what journal is the Minister referring?
The British Medical Journal.