Labour supports inquiry into tobacco

Wednesday, 23 September 2009, 5:11 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Labour Party

Kelvin Davis
Associate Maori Affairs Spokesperson

23 September 2009 Media Statement
Labour supports inquiry into tobacco

Labour looks forward to being involved in a Maori Affairs Select Committee Inquiry into tobacco, Associate Maori Affairs Spokesperson Kelvin Davis says.

“Over 40 percent of Maori adults smoke compared to less than 20 percent of the general population. We can simply not sit by and watch helplessly as our people die from their addiction to tobacco,” Kelvin Davis said.

“Too many people smoke and too many children are picking up this lethal habit, which is why we support an inquiry that will seek to make real changes.

“Labour supports banning of tobacco displays and we support programmes that support people to give up smoking.

“Unfortunately the National Government has so far ignored advice to ban tobacco advertising despite more than 5000 people a year dying because of smoking in this country.

“Labour hopes this inquiry will result in real changes in New Zealand that will reduce the number of people smoking in this country and ensure that future generations are not blighted by this terrible addiction,” Kelvin Davis said.

ENDS

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