MSP disputes claim of cigarette 'glamour'

Published on Wednesday 27 May 2009 19:35

AN MSP brandished a packet of cigarettes in front of an anti-smoking campaigner yesterday in a row over tobacco advertising.

Conservative Mary Scanlon held up the packet in front of Ash Scotland chief executive Sheila Duffy at a meeting of Holyrood's health and sport committee, which is considering proposals aimed at curbing sales of tobacco and cigarettes, including a ban on displays in shops.

Ms Duffy backed the plans, arguing that cigarettes should be "put out of sight and out of mind". In a written submission to MSPs, she said there was "compelling evidence" that tobacco companies' marketing was "heavily geared to presenting smoking as a glamorous, aspirational and youthful lifestyle choice".

But Ms Scanlon held up a packet of cigarettes and pointed out that one side had the message "smoking kills", while the other side had the warning "smoking while pregnant harms your baby".

The Conservatives' health spokeswoman challenged Ms Duffy and said: "About three-quarters of the packet is non-advertising and a sick baby on one side and 'smoking kills' on the other – do you really think that's glamorous?"