Higher tobacco tax plea by group

Press, 24 February 1986, Page 5

Higher tobacco tax plea by group

PA Wellington The Consumers’ Institute believes tobacco products are “the most hazardous products on the market” and wants them more highly taxed to finance campaigns against smoking. The institute has written to the Minister of Health, Dr Bassett, urging the price rise. It wants the tax increase diverted to the campaign against cigar-

ette smoking, and in particular to use to educate young people not to take up the habit. The institute’s director, Mr Dick Smithies, said the institute was appalled at the latest statistics on teen-age smoking. “Between 1983 and 1985 the proportion of 15 to 19-year-olds who smoke increased substantially, according to the Health Department,” he

said. “With the notable exception of the tobacco industry, there is widespread recognition that tobacco is the single most hazardous product on the market, causing an estimated 3600 deaths in this country every year.” Mr Smithies recommended an “all-out onslaught” on teen-age smoking to avert a “public health timebomb.”