HC Deb 27 October 1980 vol 991 cc184-5W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he can provide an estimate of the number of mothers who smoke (a) at the time of confirmation of pregnancy, and (b) during pregnancy.

Sir George Young:

Information on which to base estimates of the number of mothers who smoke at the time of confirmation and during pregnancy is not available, although the general household survey carried out in 1978 indicated that 42 per cent. of married women aged 16 to 49 are regular smokers. I hope, however, that when the results of the 1980 general household survey become available they may shed some further light on the problem.