Chamber
Plenary, 18 May 2006
18 May 2006 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
Reduced Ignition Potential Cigarettes
Stewart Maxwell's motion is interesting and seems well intentioned. Although no one wishes to do anything that would increase the dangers of cigarette smoking causing fires, after hearing the tenor of Stewart Maxwell's speech, I urge the minister to be cautious before he embraces the proposal.
I looked at the same statistics in the report by Her Majesty's inspectorate of fire services for Scotland that Stewart Maxwell used to show that 49 per cent of fire-related fatalities were linked to smoking materials, such as lighters, matches and cigarettes. On closer inspection, however, one finds that not all those deaths were associated with cigarettes.
I do not smoke cigarettes; I am not keen on being in areas where there is a great deal of smoke; and I do not encourage people to smoke. However, I think that we have to be accurate and give a proportionate response to the problem of fires being started by people—particularly those who are alone—who fall asleep with a burning cigarette in their hand.
The Scottish figures do not have the detail, but other UK statistics on the incidence of fires caused by all smoking materials suggest that matches and lighters cause a greater proportion of deaths than cigarettes themselves. Although it might well be possible to reduce deaths in Scotland by as many as 10, which is to be welcomed, I feel that we must take a closer look at the matter to find out whether a change in the law would actually save only three lives. In that light, one might expect us to do something that would go with the grain of public behaviour.
Moreover, we should consider encouraging tobacco manufacturers to produce cigarettes that have a reduced ability to ignite. No cigarettes are fire-safe; they have to be lit and they burn. However, if we gave the tobacco industry certain tax incentives to market these safer cigarettes, they would appear immediately.
I looked at the same statistics in the report by Her Majesty's inspectorate of fire services for Scotland that Stewart Maxwell used to show that 49 per cent of fire-related fatalities were linked to smoking materials, such as lighters, matches and cigarettes. On closer inspection, however, one finds that not all those deaths were associated with cigarettes.
I do not smoke cigarettes; I am not keen on being in areas where there is a great deal of smoke; and I do not encourage people to smoke. However, I think that we have to be accurate and give a proportionate response to the problem of fires being started by people—particularly those who are alone—who fall asleep with a burning cigarette in their hand.
The Scottish figures do not have the detail, but other UK statistics on the incidence of fires caused by all smoking materials suggest that matches and lighters cause a greater proportion of deaths than cigarettes themselves. Although it might well be possible to reduce deaths in Scotland by as many as 10, which is to be welcomed, I feel that we must take a closer look at the matter to find out whether a change in the law would actually save only three lives. In that light, one might expect us to do something that would go with the grain of public behaviour.
Moreover, we should consider encouraging tobacco manufacturers to produce cigarettes that have a reduced ability to ignite. No cigarettes are fire-safe; they have to be lit and they burn. However, if we gave the tobacco industry certain tax incentives to market these safer cigarettes, they would appear immediately.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Murray Tosh):
Con
The final item of business is a members' business debate on motion S2M-4091, in the name of Stewart Maxwell, on reduced ignition potential cigarettes. The de...
Motion debated,
That the Parliament acknowledges that deaths resulting from fires, of which there were 99 in 2004, are a major concern in Scotland; recognises that they are ...
Mr Stewart Maxwell (West of Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
In 2004, some 7,420 fires occurred in homes in Scotland. Those fires resulted in 1,858 non-fatal casualties and 76 fatalities. Of the 76 deaths, 30 were caus...
Dr Jean Turner (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Ind):
Ind
I thank Stewart Maxwell for securing the debate tonight. I will speak from my experience as a general practitioner and as the daughter of parents who smoked....
Mr Brian Monteith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Ind):
Ind
Stewart Maxwell's motion is interesting and seems well intentioned. Although no one wishes to do anything that would increase the dangers of cigarette smokin...
Mr Maxwell:
SNP
Will the member give way?
Mr Monteith:
Ind
No—I must carry on.I am not convinced that such cigarettes will be acceptable to the public. As I said, I do not smoke cigarettes; however, I have spoken to ...
Stewart Stevenson (Banff and Buchan) (SNP):
SNP
It gives me much pleasure to lock horns once again with Brian Monteith on the subject of smoking. I suspect that, as in the past, we will remain implacable o...
The Deputy Minister for Justice (Hugh Henry):
Lab
Stewart Maxwell has secured a useful debate on an important and significant issue. It is right to draw attention to the fact that the number of fire-related ...
Mr Monteith:
Ind
I am not sure whether I heard the minister correctly. He seemed to be ascribing all the deaths to passive smoking. I am sure that he meant that they were att...
Hugh Henry:
Lab
I referred to 1,000 deaths a year arguably being associated with passive smoking.I acknowledge that there are huge cultural issues to be addressed. Jean Turn...
Mr Maxwell:
SNP
I accept that all factors must be taken into account and that we must be careful to ensure that the laws that we introduce do not interfere, but from all the...
Hugh Henry:
Lab
That would have to be factored into any debate. I raised the point and although I am not sure that the arguments are as conclusive as that, I am not saying t...
Mr Monteith:
Ind
I welcome the minister's balanced approach to the subject, although I recognise that we come from entirely different points of view. His point is well made. ...
Hugh Henry:
Lab
Any move in such a direction needs to be carefully considered. We must reflect on all the relevant factors and, where possible, avoid the unintended conseque...
Meeting closed at 17:34.