For Immediate Release: Thursday 24 September 2009
ASH Scotland delight at tobacco bill stage one vote
ASH Scotland Chief Executive Sheila Duffy this evening [Thursday 24 September] said she was delighted that stage one of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services Bill had been passed by MSPs. The Bill which aims to prevent young people from smoking has been scrutinised by the Health and Sport Committee and today had its general principles debated and agreed in Parliament. Commenting, Ms Duffy said:
“I am delighted that the overwhelming majority of MSPs have endorsed the general principles of this important bill. Smoking remains Scotland’s biggest preventable killer and we can be proud of Scotland’s record as a world leader in tackling this major public health problem. The smoke-free public places legislation was about protecting health, this bill is about preventing our young people from starting to smoke.
“The bill contains measures which will reduce the attractiveness, availability, and visibility of tobacco. Annually 15,000 young people take up smoking in Scotland every year and the bill’s proposals can help reduce those numbers.
“By voting in favour of this bill, our MSPS have voted for a better, healthier future.”