§ Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of deaths from lung cancer he attributes to smoking; how many such deaths occurred in people under 65 years of age, and in all age groups, in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellThe table shows the total number of people whose deaths were registered in England and Wales in the years 1985–89 with an underlying cause of malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung; and the number of those aged under 65. It is estimated that at least 90 per cent. of these deaths can be attributed to tobacco smoking.
Number of deaths with lung cancer1 as underlying cause of death, England and Wales, 1985–89 Year All ages 0–64 years 1985 35,792 10,665 1986 35,257 10,094 1987 35,138 9,549 1988 35,302 9,571 1989 34,581 8,936 1 International classification of diseases (9th revision) code 162 —malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung.