§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will institute a departmental inquiry into the rate of coronary heart disease among Army personnel and its correlation with the rate of cigarette smoking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeDuring the last few years the rate of smoking among Army personnel has decreased steadily. It now approximates to the civilian rate. At the same time, possibly as a direct result, the rate of death from ischaernic heart disease amongst Army personnel has also decreased and is now lower than the rate in the comparable civilian population.
The importance of achieving further reduction in smoking amongst Army personnel is fully appreciated. Considerable effort is made to reduce smoking, including films and discussions led by medical personnel during educational periods. Initiatives such as the national no smoking day are fully supported by the services.
In the light of these considerations, an inquiry is not considered necessary.