The Health of the Nation has set a target for a one-third reduction in the prevalence of smoking by the turn of the century. There are several strategies available to try to achieve this aim. If purchasers are to make choices on how best to spend their money, they will need evidence of the cost-effectiveness of a range of smoking cessation interventions, including GP advice, nicotine gum and nicotine patches; cessation during pregancy, and promotion through the media.