THE WIDER CONTEXT
Action to control the supply and distribution of tobacco is being taken at an international as well as a national level. EU action has already resulted in enhanced firmer controls on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products and the ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
The broader the reach of controls the greater the impact and we particularly welcome the UK Government's support for the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), an international treaty developed under the auspices of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which binds its signatories to the process of regulating the tobacco industry throughout the globe. The FCTC covers a whole range of issues such as introducing a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship, controls on labelling of products, education about the health effects of tobacco, tackling smuggling, protection of the public from second-hand smoke and measures to reduce availability and promotion of tobacco to young people. These measures are very much in line with our own domestic policies.
The Executive remains committed to partnership working with UK and EU colleagues to build upon the progress made to date. We will welcome further moves to increase the price of cigarettes and will support the efforts of HM Customs and Excise to crack down on illegal smuggling operations. We will also continue to use the proposed smoke-free legislation to build the international profile of Scotland's approach to tobacco control and engage in a positive exchange of best practise with experts throughout the world.
Link to World Health Organisation.