Cigarettes could be sold in plain packets under plans being considered by ministers to cut the number of young smokers. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley wants to ban ‘glitzy designs’ that he says make smoking more appealing. Ministers also argue that white boxes give a false ‘healthy image’。
Ministers want to see if changing cigarette packet appearance could deter children from taking up smoking and support people who are trying to quit, the spokeswoman said. Plain packs would just show only basic information and health and picture warnings. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: 'We have to try new approaches and take decisions to benefit the population。
'That's why I want to look at the idea of plain packaging. The evidence is clear that packaging helps to recruit smokers, so it makes sense to consider having less attractive packaging. 'It's wrong that children are being attracted to smoke by glitzy designs on packets. 'We would prefer it if people did not smoke and adults will still be able to buy cigarettes, but children should be protected from the start。
'The levels of poor health and deaths from smoking are still far too high, and the cost to the NHS and the economy is vast. That money could be used to educate our children and treat cancer。