Chamber
Plenary, 21 May 2008
21 May 2008 · S3 · Plenary
Item of business
Smoking Prevention Action Plan
I confirm our belief that parents have a critical role—of course we want to involve them. As part of our emphasis on denormalisation of smoking, we need to involve parents. They need to set themselves up as role models for their children and to not smoke in front of them. We must try to put across messages such as that, which we will do as part of our social marketing campaign.
I turn to the concerns of small retailers in respect of the safety and potential theft of stock. We will discuss the detail of implementation with retailers, including the procedures that should be put in place, such as storing stock below the counter or installation of screens. There are international examples of that, including in Ireland where retailers are required to store tobacco products below the counter. In Nova Scotia, it has been done, but slightly differently. There are international examples on the best way forward.
As a point of principle, we will do this. We will of course involve retailers in discussion about the details of measures that are to be introduced and we will take on board the issues that small retailers have raised.
On vending machines, we want to look at the evidence base on what is best. Should we remove vending machines entirely or have token-operated machines? A number of options are available to us. We will take action: we are simply deciding on the type of action that we should take. We want to look at the evidence in more detail before we decide on the most appropriate route.
I turn to the concerns of small retailers in respect of the safety and potential theft of stock. We will discuss the detail of implementation with retailers, including the procedures that should be put in place, such as storing stock below the counter or installation of screens. There are international examples of that, including in Ireland where retailers are required to store tobacco products below the counter. In Nova Scotia, it has been done, but slightly differently. There are international examples on the best way forward.
As a point of principle, we will do this. We will of course involve retailers in discussion about the details of measures that are to be introduced and we will take on board the issues that small retailers have raised.
On vending machines, we want to look at the evidence base on what is best. Should we remove vending machines entirely or have token-operated machines? A number of options are available to us. We will take action: we are simply deciding on the type of action that we should take. We want to look at the evidence in more detail before we decide on the most appropriate route.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alex Fergusson):
NPA
The next item of business is a statement by Shona Robison—Interruption. Could we please have some order in the chamber? The next item of business is a statem...
The Minister for Public Health (Shona Robison):
SNP
I am pleased to announce the publication today of our new action plan, which sets out a longer-term strategic approach to smoking prevention activity in Scot...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
Members will realise that we are under considerable time pressure. I am keen to call all members who want to ask questions, so I ask all members, including f...
Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab):
Lab
I will try to assist you in that, Presiding Officer.I welcome the minister's statement and thank her for providing an advance copy. I join her in commending ...
Shona Robison:
SNP
I thank Richard Simpson for his supportive comments.The disparity between boys' and girls' smoking levels is a reason for the new more specific targets, whic...
Jackson Carlaw (West of Scotland) (Con):
Con
I am still trying to get my head around what Robert Brown imagines Eskimos wear when they go swimming.I add my customary thanks to the minister for advanced ...
Shona Robison:
SNP
I confirm our belief that parents have a critical role—of course we want to involve them. As part of our emphasis on denormalisation of smoking, we need to i...
Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD):
LD
I thank the minister for the advance notice of her statement. Clearly, in common with all members, the Liberal Democrats support the continuation of measures...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
Very briefly, please.
Ross Finnie:
LD
Sorry—I will be quick. Christine Grahame's consultation on her proposed member's bill on the issue sets out the case for a positive licensing scheme while ac...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
I am not sure that Mr Finnie's definition of "briefly" and mine are exactly in tune.I caution members please not to use the second person singular. I do not ...
Shona Robison:
SNP
I say to Ross Finnie that there will be no delay. We will legislate at the earliest legislative opportunity, which is likely to be in 2009-10. There is no qu...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
We come to questions from back-bench members. Ten members wish to ask questions and I have 10 minutes to fit them in, so that is fairly simple.
Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
My question will be brief because Ross Finnie has asked part of it. I turn to the comments on the proposed legislative scheme. Minister, now that you have sa...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
Second person singular, Ms Grahame.
Christine Grahame:
SNP
Minister, can you tell me—
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
No—you should say, "Can the minister tell me", not, "Can you tell me". I am the only "you".
Christine Grahame:
SNP
I beg your pardon—I must learn. I will start again.First, can the minister tell me the difference between registration and licensing? I feel so inhibited now...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
Please continue.
Christine Grahame:
SNP
This is taking ages.Will the minister keep an open mind in relation to my proposals? I intend to publish the responses to the consultation on my proposed mem...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
Briefly, please.
Christine Grahame:
SNP
My proposals are much more radical and would deal with vending machines. Will the minister give due consideration to the responses to my consultation?
Shona Robison:
SNP
The debate on Christine Grahame's member's bill proposal has been useful and has helped to bring to the surface many of the licensing issues. It will certain...
Margaret Curran (Glasgow Baillieston) (Lab):
Lab
Will the Scottish Government introduce a debate on this subject, given that we have had a curtailed time in which to discuss it this afternoon?In the drive t...
Shona Robison:
SNP
I will take the last question first. The new targets focus very much on smoking rates among girls and boys so that we can monitor the success of targeting in...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
I ask for strictly one question per member from now on, please.
Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP):
SNP
I warmly welcome the minister's comprehensive statement and the publication of the smoking action plan. Astonishingly, a minority of people, particularly you...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
A question, please.
Kenneth Gibson:
SNP
That might contribute to the gender gap. Can the minister clarify what specific steps will be taken to tackle myths among young people such as the those that...
Shona Robison:
SNP
I absolutely agree that those are crucial elements. The overarching aim is to change the image of smoking and to denormalise smoking. Improvements in substan...