HC Deb 31 March 1981 vol 2 cc143-4
11. Dr. Mawhinney

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate how much illnesses related to smoking and to alcohol abuse cost the National Health Service in the last year for which figures are available.

Sir George Young

Estimates by the Department suggest that the annual cost to the NHS in England and Wales of smoking-related diseases is about £115 million and of alcohol-related diseases between £50 million and £69 million, both at November 1979 prices. These figures of course exclude the other costs which these illnesses inflict on society.

Dr. Mawhinney

What must be the cost to the NHS before my hon. Friend will consider imposing a direct charge on patients who bring such illnesses on themselves?

Sir George Young

At first sight, my hon. Friend's suggestion has the advantage of equity and logic, but there are difficulties. How does one prove causality in a man with high blood pressure who drinks and smokes? How does one prove that the bad habit is the main cause of the illness and not merely contributory? There are also philosophical problems. Which bad habits does my hon. Friend suggest we should select? What about accidents in the home, or glue sniffing? What about dangerous habits such as pot-holing, or even bicycling? With all the problems, we have no plans to introduce new charges.

Mr. Ron Lewis

With the ever-increasing number of alcoholics, and the apparent increase in under-age drinking, will the hon. Gentleman follow the example of one of his predecessors in banning cigarette advertising and ban advertisements for alcoholic beverages?

Sir George Young

No. Smoking and drinking are different. The vast majority who drink do so in moderation and do not harm themselves. Regrettably, the same is not true of smokers.

Sir William Clark

In view of the cost to the NHS of smoking and drinking, does my hon. Friend agree that it is nonsense to include the cost of smoking and drinking in the RPI?

Sir George Young

I should welcome the opportunity to give my views to the House, but I have no ministerial responsibility for the matter.

Mr. William Hamilton

As official statistics show that the Government are driving more and more people to drink, has the Department estimated the deterrent effect of the swingeing tobacco and alcohol price increases in the Budget?

Sir George Young

The estimates are, of necessity, speculative. Initial estimates indicate a possible reduction of about 8 per cent. in the sale of tobacco. I have no figures on the possible impact of the increase on the consumption of alcohol, but I believe that it will maintain the relative price of alcohol to other goods and services. One cannot make a case for alcohol becoming relatively cheaper.