HC Deb 30 March 1999 vol 328 cc857-8
15. Mr. Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield)

If he will introduce a system of health care charges for smokers before they receive NHS treatment. [77713]

The Minister for Public Health (Ms Tessa Jowell)

The Government have no plans to introduce such a system. I am quite sure that my hon. Friend needs no reminding that to do so would be in breach of the founding principles of the NHS: it is open to all regardless of income; it treats sick people when they need treatment because they need treatment, not because of why they need treatment.

Mr. Sheerman

I know that, like me, my right hon. Friend wants not to penalise smokers but to help them liberate themselves from a disgusting habit that damages their health and future. Does she agree that it is worrying that, after many years of decline in smoking, the use of tobacco is increasing again, especially among young people, and particularly women? Will she stand up to all the pressures on her, unlike the previous Secretary of State for Health, the right hon. Member for South-West Surrey (Mrs. Bottomley), who, even in the face of a recommendation from three Cabinet Ministers, including the Deputy Prime Minister, would not ban tobacco advertising?

Ms Jowell

I have seen the reports, to which my hon. Friend refers, of the right hon. Member for South-West Surrey (Mrs. Bottomley) not supporting a ban on tobacco advertising. We know that our strategy against smoking, particularly to reduce smoking among young people, will not work unless we ban tobacco advertising, which is why we will ban tobacco advertising. We know that smoking is the single greatest cause of health inequality. We know that the right hon. Lady, when she was Secretary of State, banned the term "inequality" in the Department of Health. It is therefore not surprising that she refused to take measures to reduce inequality in health. We will tackle smoking and we will reduce health inequality.

Mr. John Bercow (Buckingham)

I warmly congratulate the Minister on her reply to the original question. Does she agree that there is no reason on earth why smokers, of whom I ceased to be one on 25 June 1986, should pay an extra tax for NHS treatment, given that they contribute approximately six times more to the Exchequer than they cost the NHS in treatment for smoking-related illnesses? Does she agree furthermore, that if she were so foolish—which she is not—to pursue the pernicious nostrum recommended by the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Sheerman), she would in all logic have to extend it to people suffering from alcohol-related illnesses or, indeed, avoidable obesity?

Ms Jowell

I have from time to time wondered how the hon. Gentleman might be an example to the young people of this nation: this afternoon, he has revealed to the House that young people can admire him for the fact that he gave up smoking.

Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston)

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on her commitment to reduce smoking among young people, particularly women. Will she congratulate Birmingham health authority on its tremendous work and commitment to make Birmingham a smoke-free city by 2005?

Ms Jowell

I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in congratulating the leadership shown in Birmingham in declaring itself a smoke-free city. We hope that, as we implement the agreement to extend smoke-free public places, other cities will enjoy the benefits that the people of Birmingham are enjoying.