REGARDING the Government's recent "U-turn" on tobacco advertisements connected with motor racing and that they may make it illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone under 18. Is it not now time to do something positive to eradicate the smoking problem out of society once and for all?

The Government should now acknowledge that cigarettes are a highly dangerous drug and powerfully addictive and every effort should be made to draw up plans to help people stop smoking.

It is hypocritical to throw some money into anti-smoking advertisements and at the same time draw in millions of pounds in tax revenue. It's my view that governments are no different than drug pushers. Do they not use the very same methods as those who deal in drugs?

How often do we see an increase in tax in the budget on cigarettes with the excuse that it is to discourage the smoking habit, which in reality doesn't.

This is because the level of increase is calculated not to make this happen and if tobacco barons are in the future to stand in the dock, so, too, should the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The only way forward is to protect the young and prevent a generation starting to smoke.

There should be a total ban on all sales of cigarettes in the usual way. People over 18 only who wish to smoke should be required to register with their GP to obtain a form of identity to enable them to obtain cigarettes with a limit on the number per person. This registration would be annual.

The cigarettes would be obtainable only from an approved government licensed store.

Cigarette packets should not be designed to look attractive but rather dull, bearing only a skull and cross bones together with the price and the words 'Poison Tax' with the amount clearly shown.

This would no doubt cause smokers inconvenience, but I am sure that even the most ardent smoker would not wish anyone else to smoke, especially the young.

Having survived the surgeon's knife myself, I feel I have been very fortunate. This has not been the case for many others though. I will always remember the ward sister saying: "The sad thing about all this and the work we do here is that the nearest shop to this hospital sells loose cigarettes, which are obviously directed at schoolchildren."

It brought back to my mind when, at 13 years of age, I was buying cigarettes myself at the corner shop. I sincerely hope this letter will help towards a desire to bring changes to help our young people and it would be interesting to hear the views of others.

T ANSBRO, Feniscliffe Drive, Blackburn.

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