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Smoking debate schedule begins in Dundee
29/06/2004
The first in a series of public forums across Scotland
giving people the chance to have their say in the national
debate on smoking in public places is to be held in Dundee
today.
The event at Discovery Point is hosted by the Scottish
Civic Forum and the panel will include Deputy Minister for
Health Tom McCabe.
Mr McCabe said:
"Today presents an excellent opportunity for the people
of Dundee and Tayside to have their say on the issue of
smoking in public places. It gives me great pleasure to
attend this forum, the first of a series of events to take
place during the consultation period.
"I will also attend forums in Glasgow, Inverness and
Aberdeen and there will be a series of smaller events
taking place across the country. All are designed for the
public to raise their concerns on this very important issue
and I expect today's sessions will spark some lively
discussion.
"At the heart of this debate are some stark facts.
Smoking is the single biggest cause of preventable
premature death and ill-health in Scotland. It is now
estimated that smoking is responsible for one in five of
Scottish deaths.
"While less than a third of Scottish people actually
smoke, passive smoking, or second-hand smoke, has been
linked with a range of potentially lethal respiratory
conditions, including lung cancer.
"Many Scots wish to breathe smoke-free air. Whilst we
recognise smokers' personal choice to smoke, the health
impacts of a smoky atmosphere must be taken into account.
That is why we committed to introducing more smoke free
places in the Partnership Agreement, but what remains to
be decided is how this is done.
"Legislation is obviously an option, but all options
will be considered. We are seeking to promote good
citizenship and ensure smokers are aware of how their
second-hand smoke affects others. Seven out of 10 pubs
still allow smoking throughout their premises and
smoke-free pubs and restaurants are still few and far
between.
"People will be able to pick up copies of the
consultation, which will only take a few minutes to
complete, from doctors' surgeries, libraries and other
public outlets. Similarly, they can log on and make their
opinion known via the Internet.
"In addition to the public consultation, we are also
undertaking a number of pieces of research to help us reach
the right decisions. This includes looking at international
experience and evidence about the health and economic
impact of action to reduce exposure to second hand
smoke.
"Taking the time to review and consider all the evidence
and the strength of public opinion will provide us with the
strongest possible case for future action."
People can get involved in the consultation by logging
on to
www.smokingconsultation.com
or phoning 0800 027 7127 for a consultation pack and
response form.
In 2002, it was thought that around 1.15 million people
(aged 16 and over) smoked - just over 28 per cent of the
population. It is estimated that at least 20-25 per cent of
all deaths in Scotland result from smoking. Scotland has
the highest rates of lung cancer in Europe for both men and
women, with most cases caused by smoking.
The other public forums which Mr McCabe will attend are
as follows:
20/07/04 Glasgow - The Royal Concert Hall (11.00 -
13.00)
10/08/04 Inverness - Ramada Jarvis Hotel (19.00 -
21.00)
26/08/04 Aberdeen - Ramada Jarvis Hotel (19.00 -
21.00)
The Scottish Civic Forum will also be holding a series
of public forums for local people to have their say on the
issue. They will be held at:
Mid Scotland and Fife
29/07/04 Memorial Hall, Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire
(18.00 - 20.00)
03/08/04 Lomond Centre, Glenrothes, Fife (18.00 -
20.00)
Edinburgh and Lothians
05/08/04 Prentice Centre, Granton, Edinburgh (15.00 -
17.00)
02/09/04 Community Centre, Dalkeith (18.00 -
20.00)
West Scotland
07/09/04 The Lounge, Civic Centre, Ardrossan (19.00 -
21.00)
15/09/04 Second Chance Learning Centre, Blairmore Rd,
Greenock (13.00 -15.00)
Central
25/08/04 Inveralmond Community High School,
Livingston (18.60 - 20.30)
24/08/04 Dawson Centre, Bainston, Falkirk (18/30 -
20.30)
South Scotland
12/08/04 Gateway Centre, Kilmarnock from (18.00 -
21.00)
19/08/04 St. Andrew's Workers Club, St. John Street,
Stranraer (18.00 - 21.00)