§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people died from smoking-related illness in 1993 and 1995; and if he will make a statement. [33166]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe information requested is as follows.
The specific category of smoking-related illness is not defined explicitly. Three diseases commonly caused by smoking are: lung cancer, coronary heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The total number of deaths in Wales from lung cancer was 2,017 in 1993 and 1,852 in 1995. It is likely that smoking would have been a major factor in between 90 and 95 per cent. of these deaths.
The total number of deaths in Wales from coronary heart disease was 9,676 in 1993 and 8,647 in 1995; and from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was 1,802 in 1993 and 1,961 in 1995. It is likely that smoking would have been a major factor in a significant proportion of these deaths.