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From 6 July 2006, a graphic version of the current edition is available at the Daily News Online web site.

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However, Minister Motsumi said after requests from the tobacco industry, the envisaged legislative amendment would be discussed for all interested parties to have an opportunity to comment once the bill has been gazetted for public comment.

The legislation is an answer to risks of serious illnesses and premature deaths that smokers and their families faced, she said when delivering a speech to commemorate World no Tobacco Day on May 31 held under the theme: "Tobacco and Poverty: a Vicious Circle".

Motsumi lamented the number of deaths caused by tobacco smoking, saying an estimated four million people were dying yearly with the figure expected to reach 10 million annually by 2030.

"My ministry also runs a comprehensive tobacco control programme part of whose mandate is to disseminate information.

"I urge you to utilise the information and make the right choice on health by saying 'No' to tobacco." This year's theme calls for reflection on the causes tobacco makes towards the disadvantaged members of the society by increasing poverty and causing disease.

She said many of the children from poor backgrounds who started smoking or using tobacco were malnourished and underweight. "The money spent on tobacco could make a difference in improving livelihoods and preventing a host of social miseries." The World Health Organisation (WHO) says out of about 1.3 billion smokers 84 per cent live in developing and transitional economies.

"This poses a very heavy burden on developing countries, which are already struggling with the health impact of other communicable diseases such as HIV and TB." This year's commemoration day was held at Molepolole.

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