16 JANUARY 1971, Page 33

Puff of smoke

Smoking Balance Sheet in the Sunday Times this week : Economy would save Millions Cost of treatment and prod- uction loss due to smoking illness Cost of fires due to smoking £280 Loss of revenue etc.

Loss of revenue by expenditure switch from tobacco ... £850 Extra cost of pensions ... 500 £1,350 To a non-smoker the extra cost of pensions catches the eye—perhaps smoking should be encouraged by a Conservative government committed to self-help. £270 10