PLAIN PACKAGING ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS

That this House is concerned that every year in England alone over 340,000 children under the age of 16 are encouraged to try smoking for the first time; notes that research shows the designs on tobacco packaging attract children to try smoking; is aware that the adoption of plain packaging is supported by a range of experts and international bodies; believes that the absence of brand designs will make the health warnings more effective and reduce the misconception that certain brands are healthier than others; considers that this can help to reduce the number of young people taking up smoking and encourage adult smokers to quit without being misled by brands and their image; further notes the survey commissioned by ASH (Action and Smoking on Health) which found that 75 per cent. of the public would support plain packaging if there were evidence to show that this would make health warnings more effective and 80 per cent. would support it if evidence showed it made smoking less attractive to children; and urges the Government tofollow the example of Australia and pass legislation for plain packaging on tobacco products to reduce the number of smokers, its uptake and the cost to National Health resources.