FREE NICOTINE PATCHES TO HELP BEAT SMOKING

A CAMPAIGN against smoking which could see nicotine patches being made
available on the NHS is being launched this week.

A ban on tobacco advertising on hoardings is also expected to be brought
forward by one year to next year in Health Secretary Frank Dobson's White
Paper. Tobacco sponsorship of clothing is also likely to be outlawed as
part of an attempt to stop cigarette makers recruiting young smokers.

On Thursday, Mr Dobson is expected to tell MPs that research shows that
tobacco firms need to recruit 120,000 young smokers a year to replace those
dying.

The proposal to make nicotine patches - which cost about UKP15 a set -
available on prescription is part of a bid to wean poorer people off
cigarettes. Health visitors and midwives will be trained to advise mothers
on how to quit.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski