PMQs: Bradshaw and Clegg on NHS operations for smokers
Hospitals in Devon would deny an operation to Nick Clegg "because he smokes" and to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles "because of his size", Labour MP Ben Bradshaw told MPs.
The deputy prime minister said the comments were "a bit harsh" and that he disagreed with "rationing in that way".
Standing in for David Cameron at PMQs, he told MPs that the government had found £3bn "for our beloved NHS".
The NHS in Devon, which faces a £14.5m deficit, has said smokers and the morbidly obese could be denied routine surgery unless they quit smoking or lose weight.