HC Deb 11 April 1972 vol 834 cc1008-9

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

8. Sir G. Nabarro

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is now in a position to make his announcement on further action with regard to cigarette smoking and heath

Sir G. Nabarro

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. There is a grave misprint in the Question. The last three words should be "smoking and health", not "smoking and heath"—because the Prime Minister is a non-smoker.

Sir K. Joseph

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister sets an admirable example on the subject of smoking.

In answer to the Question: Not yet, Sir.

Sir G. Nabarro

Would my right hon. Friend hurry up in this matter? Does he recall that last year, when he preferred his voluntary arrangements to my legislative intentions and he frustrated the Cigarettes (Health Hazards) Bill, he estimated that cigarette smoking would fall dramatically, instead of which it fell by 10 per cent. for a very short period and has now resumed its former force? Will he take early steps to try to deal with this dramatic and difficult situation?

Sir K. Joseph

I do not think that I ever committed myself to any expectation that there would be a dramatic and early fall in cigarette smoking. I wish that I thought the problem was that easy to solve. But certainly the Government are engaged in examining the evidence as to what should next be done, and I shall not indulge in any unnecessary delay.