The premature deaths of smokers has economic benefits, according to a controversial report commissioned by a leading US cigarette manufacturer.

The report, drawn up for tobacco giant Philip Morris Inc, found that the Czech Republic saved about $147m in 1997 through the deaths of smokers who would not live to use healthcare or housing for the elderly.



This is not the normal way we think about the lives of citizens

Richard Daynard, anti-tobacco industry lobbyist

Compiled as a cost-benefit analysis and delivered to the Czech Government, the study weighted the savings against the income tax lost and cost of caring for smokers before they died. However, tobacco industry opponents have attacked the report as an attempt to show that governments benefit from smoking related deaths. "I think it's pretty egregious," said Richard Daynard, Chairman of the Tobacco Products Liability Project. "You don't see other companies doing it ... this is not the normal way we think about the lives of citizens," he added. 'Scary logic' In a statement, Philip Morris said it "deeply regrets" suggestions of the beneficial economic effects of smoking.



