-
Related
It turned out to be the best show in town. The man from Imperial Tobacco looked sharp in a dark suit, crisp white shirt, navy and white tie. The tobacco company man and his assistant had some serious work to do. It's not easy defending a product that kills half its long-term users.
It starts off well. The members of the parliamentary select committee into the effects of smoking on Maori are listening attentively. Tony Mears explains how Imperial Tobacco came to New Zealand in 1999 and by doing so saved over 100 Kiwi jobs. It employs New Zealanders and uses locally grown product. All good. And he's honest about the health dangers associated with smoking. He admits there's no such thing as a "safe cigarette".
But his over-riding message is: Adults have the right to choose whether or not they smoke. And if the government bans cigarettes or makes them too expensive, it will drive the industry underground and criminals will have no hesitation selling them to the young and the impressionable.
But when Mr Mears had to answer a few questions, things got a little more awkward.
How does he reconcile the 130 jobs his company saved with the 5,000 deaths caused by tobacco each year? This was his reply:
"The health risks associated with tobacco have been known and understood for years. If adults choose to smoke, they take on those risks."
It was odd he didn't expand on all the other jobs the tobacco industry is responsible for. Five thousand deaths a year keep funeral directors busy. Coffin makers. Florists. Doctors and nurses sitting around with nothing to do all day can be thankful for the extra work that keeps them employed. We've got people working in palliative care. It's thanks to the tobacco industry that we have an anti-smoking lobby. Goodness knows how many people at the Ministry of Health only have jobs because of all the endless campaigns outlining the dangers of smoking. And so it goes on.
Another question. "You talked about criminals and gangs taking over an illicit trade - are you seriously suggesting the gangs could kill 5,000 people a year like you fellas are doing? Do you think the gangs are that good?" Go, Hone Harawira.
Mr Mears talks about increasing the risk of an illicit trade and wraps up by saying, "I think there'll be demand for tobacco whether it's a legitimate industry or not."
A couple of weeks ago I did a bit of a rant about drunk teenagers and why the drinking age should go back up to 20. I don't like endless regulations. I don't want government controlling all aspects of my life - but even Mr Tobacco Company struggled when asked to list the benefits of smoking.
"I can't give you an answer to that ... maybe you should ask a smoker." He was a smoker, but gave up when he was 24. Why? Because he stopped enjoying it. Clearly he was one of the lucky ones. According to those on the select committee, 80% of smokers want to give up, but it takes them, on average, 14 attempts until they're successful.
And at one stage Mr Mears forgot his place. He was being asked what the problem would be if cigarettes were kept under the counter and out of sight. He replied by asking the panel, what would it achieve? Mr Mears was quickly reminded that those on the select committee were asking the questions. He was there to answer them.
Hone Harawira finished with a flourish. The Maori Party MP wanted to know which tobacco company executive was responsible for the following quote (and please excuse the language).
"We don't smoke this sh*t, we just reserve the right to sell it to the young, the poor, the black and the stupid."
Was that someone from Imperial Tobacco? "Absolutely not" came the immediate response. He suggested it was someone from another company. "But whoever said it," he went on to say, "it was a crazy statement to make."
I'd say it was very telling.
Read more of Vicki Wilkinson-Baker's articles.
Add a Comment:
Post new comment