§ Mr. SimsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the figures for smoking prevalence in the armed forces; if he will estimate the number and type of smoking-related diseases prevalent in the armed forces as a result of these smoking rates; what plans he has to reduce the incidence of smoking in the armed forces; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeubertThere are presently no current figures available for smoking prevalences in the armed forces. A recent survey into the health of service men, once analysed, will provide a comparison of smoking rates within the services at home and abroad. A British regional heart survey in 1981 produced the following statistics on smoking incidence in the armed forces: Never smoked 12 per cent, Ex-smokers 30 per cent., Current smokers 58 per cent. Service statistics on illness and causation are not kept in a manner which would enable a true identification of390W smoke-related illness. The Ministry of Defence is ever aware of the need to reduce cigarette smoking by service men and has a continuing health education campaign aimed at all ranks and levels.