CIGARETTE SMOKING

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29901, 15 August 1962, Page 16

CIGARETTE SMOKING

Campaign By Department (Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON. Aug. 14. The Health Department had been campaigning against the smoking of cigarettes since 1948, the Minister of Health (Mr McKay) said in Parliament today. He was replying to a question by Mr H. E. L. Pickering (Government, Hurunui) who had asked ’ whether Mr McKay had seen a statement by the vice-chancellor of Exeter University (Dr. J. W. Cool) that young persons had nothing to gain and everything to lose by starting to smoke.

Mr Pickering asked whether the department had taken any action to discourage smoking by young persons.

“Because of the difficulty of breaking the smoking habit once it is formed, the department’s campaign has been concerned particularly with young persons.” Mr McKay said. “Radio, press and the department’s bulletin have been used, and a film has been made for the prim-ary-school age group. “The co-operation of parents and teachers has been sought and reference notes on smoking for school teachers are being printed at present Lectures and film showings have been given to groups of young people, including school children, and this approach will be continued Voluntary organisations, particularly the British Medical Association and the British Empire Cancer Campaign Society; have been active in this campaign.’’ Mr H G R. Mason (Opposition. Waitakere) asked if this advice had been given to Cabinet members He thought that by recent remarks the Minister of Broadcasting 'Mr Kinsella) was not aware of the facts.

Mr McKay undertook to advise all his colleagues. Consultations with the Director of Broadcasting had already been held, he said.