This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Smoking debate reaches the Highlands
10/08/2004
Inverness and the Highlands will today get its chance to have its say in the national debate on smoking in public places.
The third in a series of major public forums across the country will be held this evening (7pm) at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in the Highland capital.
Hosted by the Scottish Civic Forum, the panel will include Deputy Minister for Health Tom McCabe.
Mr McCabe said:
"Today presents an excellent opportunity for the people of Inverness and the surrounding area to have their say on the issue of smoking in public places. It gives me great pleasure to attend this forum, one of a number taking place during the consultation period.
"I have already attended lively debates in Dundee and Glasgow and am also due to attend a forum in Aberdeen later this month. In addition, there have been a series of smaller events taking place across the country.
"All are designed for the public to express their opinions on this very important issue and I expect today's session will spark some interesting 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 1 in 5 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.
Mr McCabe is due to attend a fourth public forum at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in Aberdeen between 7pm and 9pm on Thursday, August 26.
There will also be a major national conference on the issue taking place in Edinburgh on Thursday, September 9.
The Scottish Civic Forum will also be holding a series of public forums for local people to have their say on the issue.
Some have already taken place; others will be held at:
Edinburgh and Lothians
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)