Tobacco claims are in poor taste

I was amazed to see an industry insider describe Lucky Strike as British American Tobacco’s only brand with “youth appeal” (MW July 2) – in view of the industry’s frequent denial of interest in the youth market. And it is wrong to describe Benson & Hedges as “appealing only to older smokers”, when it is the brand most recognised by children in this country.

Finally, since throat cancer is especially common among smokers who drink (and vice versa), will BAT’s Lucky Strike drink brands carry the warning: “If you drink this product, don’t smoke our cigarettes”?

Donald Reid

Chief executive

Association for Public Health

London SW1