asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the report of the Chief Medical Adviser of the British Ministry of Health to the effect that more than 50,000 people died in Britain last year as a direct result of smoking; and what action he proposes to take so as to avoid a high death rate from smoking in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Death Rate from Smoking.
57.
Mr. O'Malley
I have seen the statement in the report which, broadly, is as set out in the press account. This report has particular reference to cigarette smoking, as indeed also has the 1967 report of the US Surgeon General on the matter, published a short time previously.
In regard to the latter part of the question, the avoidance of a high death rate from smoking in this or any other country depends on the decision of members of the public to refrain from cigarette smoking. I presume that prohibition is not advocated. Except in the case of children, the decision whether to smoke or not to smoke must be left to the commonsense of the individual. It appears to me that the most effective course in present circumstances is to continue to bring to public notice the health hazards involved in the habit. I am considering how best this campaign could be intensified so as to bring home the message with greater force. I am also considering various other steps which might be taken, but I am not yet in a position to indicate what these might be.
Could the Minister say whether there is any information available to the Minister for Health to the effect that cigarette smoking is far more injurious to health than pipe smoking? We are informed by the British medical authorities that reports were submitted to the British Ministry of Health to the effect that pipe smoking was not injurious to health, whereas cigarette smoking could be looked upon as deadly, having regard to the fact that the deaths of 50,000 people in Britain last year could be attributed to smoking.
Mr. O'Malley
It is generally appreciated and known that pipe smoking is far less serious than cigarette smoking.
If people want to smoke, let us advise them to get a pipe.
Cheroots, pipe tobacco.
Why are cigars considered less deleterious than cigarettes?
Mr. O'Malley
I think it is the degree of nicotine.
You are supposed to tell us what the difference is.
Mr. O'Malley
In this instance, I am not the person to tell you.
The Minister appears to be asking us questions. We are asking questions of the Minister.
Mr. O'Malley
Smoking is not a good thing, anyway.