""Nobody has suggested the full cost should be recovered; only that some charge should be made. I think that a fairly significant charge to someone treated for a self-induced condition of this sort might be, say, £75; roughly 7½ bottles of vodka, I make that.""

I started smoking at the age of twelve, at a time when smoking was considered a manly pastime and nobody was aware of the deleterious effects.

I continued to smoke for 53 years, giving it up five years ago.

As a direct result, I have passed beyond COPD into the early stages of emphysema.

You might say that my condition is self inflicted, so Mike, what would you say the NHS should be able to demand from this reckless fool in payment for the treatment he will need for the rest of his life. Go on, tell me what you think should be taken from my pension to pay for my delinquency?

BTW, don't forget that I contributed a chunk of MY earnings to the treatment of other drunks and smokers, so shouldn't I get a discount?

Don T.