I've got a licence to smoke ..and I know its going straight to the NHS

[Deleted User X18H]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7247470.stm

 

[Kenhead]

I think that’s a great idea. Help stop youngsters under 18 getting cigarettes and will help raise revenue for the NHS.
I take it that it will cost £10 a year so is very minimal weekly cost for what smokers waste over the year in buying tobacco.

 

[jevs]

Bit harsh on those who want to smoke....however, i'd make them sign a contract that says they will not be treated for any smoking related illness or condition in an NHS hospital or doctors.

 

[Biscuit]

Good idea. Wont happen.

 

[Djmiles]

Roughly, they say around 25% of all people smoke nowadays?

Assuming that is 25% of the adult population, which is roughly 50m or so in the UK, that's 12.5 million people paying the £10.

£125 million for the NHS, excellent stuff.

However it will never happen because why shouldn't fat people get a license to buy choc etc etc

 

[Robot Chicken]

If everyone gave up smoking then how would the government raise the shortfall lost from tax?

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

Although this is a good idea in theory, I cant see it working as smokers will still be able to buy illegally imported cigarettes from "dubious" sources. As the age limit to buy tobacco products has just been increased to 18 a registration card might be handy if it also was accepted as proof of age when buying booze. Knowing the Government, if this scheme comes in they will then try and raise the legal drinking age to 21.

 

[fatbadger]

What rot.

We ALL do something (well, many things, I suspect!) which is damaging to health. Where will this stop?

 

[cjd]

If everyone gave up smoking then how would the government raise the shortfall lost from tax?

Not just the shortfall in tax............

Increased pensions to pay for all the people living longer

Increased Care-home fees for the extra elderly needing care

Increased GP costs for constantly attending more elderly people

Increased medication costs for more elderly people

Increase in the number of houses required, because less people pegging out early

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

If everyone gave up smoking then how would the government raise the shortfall lost from tax?

There would be a tax on sexual activities , a form is being designed for those forced to pay it. Needless to say some wankers on NSC will have to cough up a fortune if they have to pay back taxes as well.

 

[cjd]

There would be a tax on sexual activities , a form is being designed for those forced to pay it. Needless to say some wankers on NSC will have to cough up a fortune if they have to pay back taxes as well.

 

[Djmiles]

If everyone gave up smoking then how would the government raise the shortfall lost from tax?

Don't forget the £1.7 billion the NHS spend on smoking related illnesses.

 

[Robot Chicken]

Don't forget the £1.7 billion the NHS spend on smoking related illnesses.

But...

In fact, when you compare tobacco tax revenues with the alleged cost of health treatment, the former far outweighs the latter. In the UK, for example, tobacco tax revenue currently stands at £7 billion a year compared with the £1.5 billion it allegedly costs to tackle 'smoking-related' diseases. (Taxation revenue should of course be even higher - over £10 billion - but the Government has cleverly 'lost' £3 billion by over taxing tobacco and therefore encouraging smugglers and cross-Channel shoppers to buy the product abroad.)

 

[blue'n'white]

Complete and utter rubbish
Fair enough make 18 year olds carry a registration card but this is BIG BROTHER all over again - there'll be CCTV next you mark my words . . .
Oh right there is already

 

[Robot Chicken]

Let smokers get their fix from the pharmacy - get it on prescription from their GP

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

Let smokers get their fix from the pharmacy - get it on prescription from their GP

along with their methadone.

 

[driller]

[
However it will never happen because why shouldn't fat people get a license to buy choc etc etc[/QUOTE]




great and chavs should have a licence for burberry

 

[Djmiles]

Only if!

 

[Beach Hut]

Don't forget the £1.7 billion the NHS spend on smoking related illnesses.

And another £1.7 billion on consultants telling them how to run a hospital

 

[Spider]

Just another way of bullying smokers by people who think they're superior because they don't smoke. Absolute crap - the tax is far too high already.