HC Deb 08 May 1967 vol 746 cc1029-31
18. Earl of Dalkeith

asked the Minister of Health what researches are being undertaken by Government Departments into devising new methods or substances to assist cigarette smokers in their efforts to overcome their addiction; how much has been spent in each of the last two years on such research; and whether he will make a report on the results so far reached.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Julian Snow)

Surveys are being carried out by the Social Survey Unit of the Central Office of Information into smoking habits and attitudes in this country. Various hospital and local health authorities have run anti-smoking clinics. Some basic pharmacological research supported by the Medical Research Council is relevant to studies of this problem. It is not possible to estimate how much has been spent in total on these forms of research, nor do I think that a report on results could usefully be made at present.

Earl of Dalkeith

Would not the Minister consider that, in view of the panic and anxiety among smokers caused by these announcements, the Government have a clear moral duty and obligation to spend rather a greater part of the thousands of millions of pounds revenue from tobacco on this kind of research?

Mr. Snow

My Department and the Medical Research Council are always willing to consider applications for support for suitable studies on this problem of smoking. As I have pointed out, research is being carried out into various pharmacological and psychological aspects.

Mr. Whitaker

In view of the fact that the tobacco companies are now embarking on a policy of increasing addiction through cash gifts, as well as offers of goods, will my hon. Friend accept the assurance that he will be strongly supported in anything that he does to subordinate their wish for profits to the overwhelming public interest?

Mr. Snow

I take note of my hon. Friend's remarks.

19. Earl of Dalkeith

asked the Minister of Health how many different sub-stances are known to him to be on sale to the general public for the alleged purpose of assisting those smokers who seek to break the addiction of smoking; what tests he has made of the claims for their efficiency; what investigations he has made to ascertain their freedom or otherwise from harmful side effects on health; and whether he will make a report.

Mr. Snow

My right hon. Friend has no ready means of identifying such substances.

Earl of Dalkeith

Would not it be a good thing for the Government to start investigating these various substances, in order to safeguard the public from the quacks, and to differentiate between genuine cures and bogus cures, which can cause the public a great deal of harm?

Mr. Snow

I think that the noble Lord is probably unaware that the Safety of Drugs Committee does not assess efficacy either as such, or in comparison with other preparations marketed for the same therapeutic purposes. The Standing Joint Committee on the Classification of Proprietary Preparations has classified one proprietary lobeline preparation as being, in its view, not of proven efficacy.

Dr. John Dunwoody

Would my hon. Friend agree that nearly all of the sub-stances put forward in this way are ineffective, and that the real answer to this problem lies in education, particularly in the education of younger people in the community?

Mr. Snow

I agree with the second part of my hon. Friend's remarks, and I think that there is also an element of discipline in the matter.