Health official: Smoke ban by 2007
Health official: Smoke ban by 2007
London | November 28, 2005 12:01:13 AM IST
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt says it is "only a matter of time" before there is a complete ban on smoking in public places in England and Wales.
Speaking on the BBC's Sunday AM, she did not give a specific timescale, but said a total ban would be "simpler".
But she also defended the current proposed ban exempts pubs not serving food and some private clubs.
A total ban is due to start in Scotland next year and in Northern Ireland the year after.
"I've said several times before I think it is only a matter of time before we get to a total ban," she said.
Last month there was debate in Cabinet over possibly pushing ahead for a ban without exemptions, but after days of behind-the-scenes argument that proposal was rejected, the BBC said
London | November 28, 2005 12:01:13 AM IST
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt says it is "only a matter of time" before there is a complete ban on smoking in public places in England and Wales.Speaking on the BBC's Sunday AM, she did not give a specific timescale, but said a total ban would be "simpler".
But she also defended the current proposed ban exempts pubs not serving food and some private clubs.
A total ban is due to start in Scotland next year and in Northern Ireland the year after.
"I've said several times before I think it is only a matter of time before we get to a total ban," she said.
Last month there was debate in Cabinet over possibly pushing ahead for a ban without exemptions, but after days of behind-the-scenes argument that proposal was rejected, the BBC said
