Cigarette smoking should be stubbed out by Government and the medical profession, the leader of the tiny National Liberal Party insisted last night.

And NLP chairman Charles Jeffers called for tougher laws to combat the killer habit of smoking -- especially among the young.

Mr. Jeffers -- who stressed he was speaking personally -- said he wanted to see: The age for buying cigarettes increased to 21; Cigarette vending machines removed from places where youngsters can get to them and; A total ban of smoking in public places like stores, malls and the lobbies of public buildings, including hotels.

And Mr. Jeffers also called for extra taxation -- with the cash generated used for medical care and anti-smoking campaigns.

Mr. Jeffers added that cigarette advertisements and sponsorship should be banned from the sports world, while the sale of smokes should be halted in pharmacies and drug stores.

And he said restaurants should be ordered to introduce no-smoking sections.

Mr. Jeffers added: "This may seem far-reaching, but other countries have already implemented these measures and some communities are considering even tougher measures.'' And he contrasted the anti-smoking lobby on the Island with the campaign to block radio transmission towers from areas close to homes -- an action he praised.

Mr. Jeffers added: "These actions are being taken even though the so-called experts cannot agree on the possible dangers and scientific evidence is inconclusive.'' But he said the fatal effects of smoking -- both direct and second-hand -- were well-documented.

"Experts may disagree on some of the details, but there is enough hard evidence for us to demand action,'' he added.

But he said Bermuda was lagging behind the rest of the world in dealing with the problem -- one of the major killers in the western world.

Mr. Jeffers added: "Recently we have observed a bombardment of signs on storefronts and the outside of wholesale and retail premises.

"These signs vividly portray the competition in low prices for cigarettes here in Bermuda.

"Our information is that there are laws governing the print media, but no laws or regulations governing these activities.'' And he added: "It's interesting to note that, although many staple foods are more expensive in Bermuda than elsewhere, cigarettes are cheaper than in many cases elsewhere.'' But Mr. Jeffers said Government, the medical establishment, and other groups which should be fighting for tighter control on cigarettes were silent.

And he insisted: "This is very disturbing. As a society, we must make tough decisions for the overall good of our community, even if the decisions are politically unpopular.'' Anti-smoker: Charles Jeffers