Smoking
The number of smokers in England has continued to fall since 1998, according to the latest figures from the General Household Survey. The statistics showed that smoking prevalence among adults aged 16 and over has fallen from 28% in 1998, to 26% in 2002.
The study showed that smoking prevalence among manual groups has also decreased from 33% in 1998 to 31% in 2002. The figures show the Government is on track to meet its target of 24% or less in 2010, which it published in its 1998 White Paper, Smoking Kills. In the paper, it outlined its plans to reduce the number of adults smoking in all social classes to 26% by 2005.
The figures come at the same time as new regulations are laid before Parliament under the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 calling for a restriction on the advertising of cigarettes and tobacco. It will limit the amount of advertising allowed in shops where cigarettes are sold. The regulation will come into force at the end of the year. Melanie Johnson, Minister for Public Health said: "These figures show that the Government's programme to reduce the numbers of adults who smoke is working. They also show that smoking rates are falling in manual groups, which is crucial in tackling health inequalities."
