For immediate release
15th May 2007

Rotherham's stop smoking service highlighted in Parliament

The success of a service to help Rotherham residents quit smoking was highlighted in Parliament last week by local MP and Financial Secretary to the Treasury John Healey. The work of the service formed part of a debate on the Finance Bill in which Mr Healey paid tribute to the service saying:

"In 2006, my own area of Rotherham's stop smoking service saw more than 2,500 people, half of whom quit smoking as a result."

The MP went on to say:

"As we approach the prospect of the smoking ban - this may also be the experience of other members of the Committee - there have been increasing calls on that service. I hope that it will be able to help an increasing number of people to give up the habit."
Mr Healey also paid tribute to his colleague and fellow South Yorkshire MP Jeff Ennis in the debate, saying:

"In October, we shall raise the minimum age at which young people can buy tobacco from 16 to 18. I want to pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley, East and Mexborough (Jeff Ennis MP)...who has been one of the leading advocates and campaigners for just such a rise."
For more information on how you can give up smoking call the Stop Smoking Service on: (01709) 302444 or visit the website www.smokefreerotherham.co.uk

Rotherham businesses or individuals wanting information on how the forthcoming smokefree legislation will affect them should contact Khamis Al-alawy, Smokefree Rotherham Lead on 01709 302731.
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Notes for Editors:

1) The new legislation on smoking in enclosed public places will come into effect on July 1st this year.

2) For further information please contact: Joanne Wilson, Research Officer to John Healey MP, Tel - (01709) 512463