Britain declares war on smoking

A concerted programme of action to reduce smoking in Britain, with a ban on tobacco advertising, was among proposals by the new Labour government in the Queen's speech at the opening of parliament last week.

But the process is less straightforward than was thought. No timing for the advertising ban was given other than that it will become effective by the end of the parliamentary session in 18 months' time. Meanwhile, a white paper this summer and a draft bill are seen only as preliminary moves in the government's war on smoking. It is to convene an early seminar of …