HC Deb 06 March 1973 vol 852 cc77-8W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he can now give the approximate annual cost to the National Health Service of treatment of patients suffering from diseases caused by tobacco smoking.

Sir K. Joseph

An estimate of the approximate annual cost to the National Health Service of health care due to smoking in respect of the main smoking related conditions was included in a report of a study of the effects of a reduction in cigarette smoking on health care and social security expenditure. This report was published in August last year and was referred to in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, South (Dr. Stuttaford) on 8th August last. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.—[Vol. 842, c. 336–8.]