HC Deb 12 March 1993 vol 220 cc752-3W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information she has as to the percentage of women who are(a) employed, (b) on income support and (c) unemployed who smoke.

Dr. Mawhinney

Information relating to the percentage of women aged 16 to 59 in Great Britain who smoke cigarettes is available from the "1990 General Household Survey" by economic status as follows:

  • All working - 31 per cent.
  • Unemployed - 54 per cent.

Available analyses do not separately identify those on income support who smoke.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has for lowering the smoking rate among low-income females; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Mawhinney

The White Paper "The Health of the Nation" sets a target of 20 per cent. for women smoking by the year 2000. In view of their higher smoking rates, it is clearly essential to reach women on low incomes if this is to be achieved.

This will be done through the comprehensive programme set out in the White Paper, including health education, action on price, advice from general practitioners and other health professionals and proper controls on advertising and promotion.