HC Deb 04 May 1964 vol 694 cc897-8
35. Mr. Leavey

asked the Minister of Health by how many the lung cancer deaths in Great Britain increased in 1963 compared with 1962.

Mr. Braine

About 800.

Mr. Leavey

I understand that we have now exceeded 27,000 deaths from lung cancer annually. Can one assume that at least a substantial proportion is attributable to heavy smoking?

Mr. Braine

Yes. I regret to say that the number of deaths from lung cancer has gone over the 27,000 mark for the first time, which means that nearly four times as many people die each year from lung cancer as from road accidents. I hope that due notice will be taken of this Question and Answer. The Royal College of Physicians' report shows that a man of 35 has twice as much chance of living to draw his pension at 65 if he is a non-smoker than if he is a heavy smoker.