§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he introduced guidelines to ensure equality of access to health care for smokers and non-smokers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 1 November 1993]: No such guidelines have been issued.
The decision to offer any particular treatment to an individual is a matter for clinical judgment, taking into account a number of factors including the extent to which the patient is likely to benefit. The professional issues which may arise were discussed by the Chief Medical Officer in the September 1993 edition of Health Bulletin, Vol. 51, pages 269–70.