Oral Answers to Questions

David Evennett Excerpts

Tuesday 12th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Paul Burstow]

The right hon. Gentleman raises a very important point. We need to ensure that we have the right data to understand prescribing practice properly, so that we can both challenge bad practice and ensure that the NICE guidance is properly followed. I would like to look more closely at his points and then write to him in detail.

[Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con)]

Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating advisers working for Bexley stop smoking service, who helped more than 1,600 people stop smoking last year? Does the Minister agree that helping people stop smoking should remain an important public health priority?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Anne Milton)]

I am happy to join my hon. Friend in congratulating those who are making efforts locally. As he will be aware, public health services will move to local authorities, and I am sure those efforts will continue. Some 80,000 people a year die of smoking-related disease, and 320,000 young people are taking up smoking each year. We must not only help those who are smoking to stop but prevent young people from taking it up.