This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Overwhelming response to smoking consultation
23/10/2004
A total of 53,948 people responded to the smoking consultation making it the widest ranging the Executive has held.
Commenting on the responses, Health Minister Andy Kerr said:
"This is a truly unprecedented response to any government consultation ever held in Scotland, almost 40 times bigger than any other Executive consultation.
"It is clear that the subject has sparked an incredible level of public debate and I would expect that a number of strong views will emerge from the responses.
"We have made it clear that we are committed to introducing more smoke-free public places in Scotland. The cabinet will discuss how this could be achieved on November 10 with an announcement to follow shortly after.
"I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to participate in this very important debate."
The consultation ran from June 7 - September 30 and respondees were able to submit their views by post and on the Internet.
Smoking kills an average of 13,000 Scots every year and is responsible for thousands more hospitals admissions.
In 2002, it was thought that around 1.15 million people (aged 16 and over) smoked - just over 28 per cent of the population. It is estimated that at least 20-25% of all deaths in Scotland result from smoking. Scotland has the highest rates of lung cancer in Europe for both men and women, with most cases caused by smoking.