Tobacco Products (Standardised Packaging)

Mike Thornton Excerpts

Thursday 3rd April 2014 Commons Chamber

[Jane Ellison]

Health is, of course, very important, particularly the health of our nation’s children, and I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s support.

[Mike Thornton (Eastleigh) (LD)]

Given that eight out of 10 people start smoking under the age of 19—in their teens—does the Minister agree that one of the most effective child protection measures we can take is to help them not to start smoking in the first place?

[Jane Ellison]

My hon. Friend is exactly right and I believe that all Members want to see fewer children taking up smoking. I also draw the House’s attention to the fact that the places where children take up smoking are very unevenly distributed. On maintaining the Government’s duty on health inequality, which we have put in statute, measures to prevent young people and children from taking up smoking directly address some key health inequality issues.