Chamber
Plenary, 18 May 2006
18 May 2006 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
Reduced Ignition Potential Cigarettes
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 people in New York who have smoked reduced ignition potential cigarettes and who told me that they thought that they were not the same as normal cigarettes. If these cigarettes are to be introduced, they have to be acceptable to the public; otherwise people will simply sell normal cigarettes on the black market or bring them in from abroad.
Not least of the hurdles that will need to be overcome if this measure is to be effective is the fact that, because we have passed a law that bans smokers from congregating in pubs and restaurants—the places where they would be most likely to enjoy a cigarette—those people are now more likely smoke at home instead. Indeed, evidence from Ireland, which introduced a smoking ban before we did, suggests that the incidence of deaths from fires that are caused by people falling asleep holding lit cigarettes has increased. Given the similarity of Scottish and Irish culture in this matter, a likely unintended consequence of the ban is that more people will drink at home alone, fall asleep holding lit cigarettes and become victims of the resulting fires. I do not raise these concerns because I opposed the ban in the first place; that evidence was produced by the National Safety Council in Ireland.
We should by all means investigate ways of reducing the number of deaths from such incidents. However, we must bear in mind the fact that the laws that we pass might cause more deaths; it will be no use trying to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted. Instead, we need to think about what will go with the grain of public behaviour to ensure that whatever measure is introduced is accepted and becomes commonplace.
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 people in New York who have smoked reduced ignition potential cigarettes and who told me that they thought that they were not the same as normal cigarettes. If these cigarettes are to be introduced, they have to be acceptable to the public; otherwise people will simply sell normal cigarettes on the black market or bring them in from abroad.
Not least of the hurdles that will need to be overcome if this measure is to be effective is the fact that, because we have passed a law that bans smokers from congregating in pubs and restaurants—the places where they would be most likely to enjoy a cigarette—those people are now more likely smoke at home instead. Indeed, evidence from Ireland, which introduced a smoking ban before we did, suggests that the incidence of deaths from fires that are caused by people falling asleep holding lit cigarettes has increased. Given the similarity of Scottish and Irish culture in this matter, a likely unintended consequence of the ban is that more people will drink at home alone, fall asleep holding lit cigarettes and become victims of the resulting fires. I do not raise these concerns because I opposed the ban in the first place; that evidence was produced by the National Safety Council in Ireland.
We should by all means investigate ways of reducing the number of deaths from such incidents. However, we must bear in mind the fact that the laws that we pass might cause more deaths; it will be no use trying to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted. Instead, we need to think about what will go with the grain of public behaviour to ensure that whatever measure is introduced is accepted and becomes commonplace.
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.