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British Cabinet Dismissed Smoking Warnings In 1950s

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The Associated Press

Published: May 30, 2008

LONDON - The British Cabinet received early warnings about the link between smoking and lung cancer more than 50 years ago, but viewed the threat as minor and did little for fear of losing tax revenue, according to documents released Friday.

The grim portrait is drawn from previously secret reports of an April 19, 1956, Cabinet meeting. The notes, taken by Cabinet Secretary Norman Brook, were released by the National Archives.

The meeting was held two years after scientists first published research linking smoking to lung cancer, and one year before the British Medical Research Council found "a direct causal connection" between smoking and the lethal disease.

Most of the notes dealt with other issues, but the brief section titled "Smoking and Lung Cancer" revealed the cavalier approach to the possible public health risks of cigarette use.

The discussion began with Minister of Health Robert Turton telling his colleagues about increased pressure for a public warning campaign because of advice from a medical committee about the dangers of smoking.

He said he was personally opposed because of the lack of proof that smoking was dangerous.

After some discussion, Treasury chief Harold Macmillan, who later became prime minister, expressed concern about the impact a warning might have on the government's tax revenue. He also downplayed the alleged health risks.

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