Hansard

I congratulate Jim Hume on introducing the bill and thank him for working closely with the Scottish Government over the past few months, as we worked together to improve the bill’s provisions. As he said, the bill has enjoyed cross-party support throughout its parliamentary progress.

Central to the debate on the bill is the fact that smoking remains the primary preventable cause of ill health and death in Scotland, killing one in two long-term users. That costs the NHS up to as much as £500 million each year. The harmful effects of second-hand smoke are well evidenced and understood. That is why continuing to protect people, especially children, from second-hand smoke is key. The existing smoke-free legislation has undoubtedly made a difference, but children can still be exposed to second-hand smoke in cars and homes. Where children are medically at risk due to conditions such as asthma, the harmful effects can be especially severe.

We know that there has consistently been strong public and stakeholder support for legislation on this matter. At the end of last year, we consulted on similar measures. Some 79 per cent of those who responded thought that smoking in cars with children should be an offence. A survey earlier this year suggested that 85 per cent of adults in Scotland, including the majority of smokers, supported a ban on smoking in cars when children or young people under the age of 18 are present. Mr Hume’s consultation on the bill demonstrated a similarly high level of support, with 84 per cent of respondents supporting the principles of the bill. That level of support has been reflected in the cross-party support for the bill.

I was pleased that the Health and Sport Committee supported my amendments at stage 2. Among other changes, they removed some problematic aspects of the bill, such as the defence and one of the tests for exempting vehicles that are also people’s homes. The removal of those provisions will make enforcement easier.

I was also happy to support the amendment that was lodged by Mr Hume at stage 2, which will deliver a joint enforcement role between Police Scotland and local authority environmental health officers. Environmental health officers have played a vital role in the implementation of current smoke-free legislation. Protecting public health is fundamental to the role of environmental health officers in Scotland, and they bring with them a wealth of experience.

However, although enforcement of the offence will be important, the aims of the bill cannot be achieved by enforcement alone. This is about promoting a change in cultures and attitudes. We know that the harms that are caused by exposure to second-hand smoke are widely understood, which is why the majority of adults choose not to smoke in their homes and cars when children are present.

We developed a national campaign, take it right outside, which aims to raise awareness of the risks that are posed by second-hand smoke to children. I launched that campaign last year to a positive reception. It is my belief that the introduction of this offence will provide a deterrent and continue to promote that key message.

We know that there has been a significant change in behaviours and attitudes since the introduction of smoke-free legislation in 2006. Enforcement of that legislation was measured, and we anticipate the same approach being taken to the proposals in the bill.

When these important provisions are commenced, they will contribute to the commitment to reduce the amount of children who are exposed to second-hand smoke to 6 per cent by 2020. In 2014, that figure was 11 per cent. Amendments have been lodged today seeking a statutory review of the measures. However, this is only one measure that will contribute to reducing children’s exposure to second-hand smoke, and to reducing children’s exposure to smoking behaviour.