Reacting to the latest data on smoking trends revealed in the 1996 General HouseholdSurvey, ASH said the rise in young adults’ smoking showed that all the tobaccoindustry’s efforts to make smoking fashionable seem to be paying off.

Clive Bates, Director of ASH said: "It’s very sad that cigarettes have beenpromoted as a signifier of rebellion and independence when the reality is that youngpeople are being manipulated by a viscous industry. Young people seem to think thatsmoking is cool and smart. But it’s hard to see what’s cool about being addictedand losing the unqualified freedom to choose not to smoke."

ASH called on the Government to introduce strong measures in its forthcoming WhitePaper on Tobacco to further curb tobacco use. Clive Bates said: "The fact thattwo-thirds of smokers want to stop smoking but find it very hard demonstrates theaddictiveness of nicotine. We believe nicotine replacement therapy should be provided onthe NHS for those who need help in quitting."

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