[Intl-tobacco] Japan: Minister suggests introducing 'health tax' on tobacco]

[Robert Weissman]

Minister suggests introducing 'health tax' on tobacco
Source: Kyodo News Service, 2001-11-20
TOKYO, Nov. 20, Kyodo -  

Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Chikara
Sakaguchi said Tuesday he is in favor of introducing a ''health
tax'' on tobacco, an idea being considered in the government and the
three-party ruling coalition.

''I think it's a great idea,'' Sakaguchi told a news conference.
''It would put some burden on smokers, but it makes good sense if it
were used to promote people's health. I'm for it.''

The health minister, however, said the enforcement of a health
ministry-drafted medical system reform for fiscal 2002 should get
priority over the proposed additional tax on tobacco.

The proposal includes the use of revenues from the extra tax on
tobacco as a source of funds to help cover the medical expenses of
patients.

''To walk around and look only for sources of revenues is
undesirable before eliminating useless parts of the current medical
system,'' Sakaguchi said.

The three-party ruling coalition started discussions on Nov. 7 on
adding 1 to 2 yen per cigarette on the current tax on tobacco.