HC Deb 13 December 1983 vol 50 c424W
24. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the recommendation for action by Her Majesty's Government contained on pages 126 to 129 of the document entitled "Health and Smoking," a copy of which has been sent to him by the Royal College of Physicians.

Mr. John Patten

The renewed warnings about illness and early death associated with smoking that are contained in the Royal College's report must concern us all. It is by far the single biggest preventable cause of death. There has been a 20 per cent. decline in cigarette sales over the past four years, and the Government's policies on health education are contributing to this desirable trend.