Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has said the level of smoking in the UK is "rather persistent" and is considering the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes and a ban on public displays.

"Tobacco is one of those areas where there is a role for government," he said. "Every time someone smokes a cigarette they do themselves some harm."

But he insisted that the law could only do so much.

"It's about behaviour not just legislation… people do have personal responsibility."

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