Your leader (November 15) says that obesity, alcohol and smoking will create a £30bn increase in NHS spending by 2020. Even if that figure is correct, the rise will not be caused by smoking-related diseases. Only a quarter of adults now smoke, which is an all-time low. There are already voluntary restrictions on smoking in restaurants, pubs, public transport and places of work. During 37 years of smoking, I have not yet had a smoking-related disease. However, when I am on my premature, smoking-related death-bed (which will not cost any more than a non-smoker's terminal illness and death), I will be proud that I will not be drawing a state pension for 25 years and that I will have paid high tobacco taxes for 40-50 years.
Ann Humphry
Birmingham

So, I cannot drive my car as fast as I would like. I cannot park where I like, when I like. Nor can I drive without insurance. I am not allowed to make excessive noise when I like or make my neighbours' lives unbearable. I cannot beat my children or get into fights in the street. And now the final straw: I cannot inflict my smoke on other people in a public place. Outrageous.
Alan Miller
Henfield, W Sussex

As a smoker I have no major problem with Dr Reid's sensible proposals, but I object to the terms "lives saved" or "deaths avoided" deployed by the anti-smoking lobby. The most accurate terms to describe the estimated statistical impact of restrictions on smoking are "deaths postponed" and "medical conditions ameliorated or avoided". More precise language reveals the government's hidden message: live longer and work longer - we don't know what to do about your pensions; and stay away from the NHS for as long as possible - we need more time to sort it out.
Paul Hunt
Haywards Heath, W Sussex

Will the proposed banning of smoking in most pubs etc. result in an increase in smoking in households, in many of which children under 16 live (Doctors condemn caution on smoking ban, November 16)? Surely, condemning children to spend hours a day in a smoky home is a serious form of child abuse. Perhaps this should be made illegal first.
David Capstick
Chester

Is it really the case that workers in private members' clubs and pubs which do not serve food are to have no legal protection against the risks from secondary smoking?
John Bartley
Newark, Notts

When was the last time a defence barrister claimed that a crime was committed while the accused was under the influence of tobacco? How many people are killed or severely maimed each year by smokers compared to by drunks or drug addicts? A vigorous campaign against the British culture of binge drinking and its associated evils would improve life far more than the continuing demonisation of smoking.
John Royle
Beauly, Inverness-shire

As a lifelong smoker, a ban will affect my life along with many others. Nevertheless, should this become law, I will abide by it with one small caveat: my compliance will be conditional on the toffs not brazenly flouting the law on hunting with hounds, as they have vowed to do.
Michael Simpson
Leeds

I'm sure that the majority of these anti-smoking worthies drive or use motorised vehicles. What do they imagine comes out of their exhaust pipes? These individuals seem to be hypocritically oblivious to the fact that they are liable for significantly more atmospheric pollution than your average smoker. How many would be prepared to sacrifice their vehicles for the cause they so passionately promote?
Tony Weeks
London