MPs give boost to smoking campaign

A Tory MP is using the weight of MPs' support for relaxing the smoking ban to lobby the Government to look again.

A total of 86 MPs voted in favour of David Nuttall's Private Members' Bill calling for licensees to be allowed freedom to choose whether to allow smoking or not.

Although the bill was defeated, with 141 MP opposing it, Brian Binley MP said it strengthened the argument in favour of having a full review into the ban.

Former Health Secretary John Reid promised a review of the ban after three years — but the coalition Government scrapped this plan.

Binley, who supports the Save Our Pubs and Clubs campaign that wants the right to separate smoking rooms, said he is currently speaking to ministers about the issue.

"I was delighted that 86 people voted for David Nuttall's Private Members' Bill.

"This gives us the oppor-tunity to put considerable pressure on the Government to have the review.

"I think the Government has got to listen to what is an important section of the House."

He added: "Smokers can be fully accommodated in pubs and clubs in segregated smoking areas or rooms if suitable, effective extraction systems are installed."

During the debate on his bill, Nuttall said: "Pub licensees are the right people to decide whether allowing a smoking room is the best thing to do for their establishment."

But opposing the bill, Kevin Barron MP labelled such a plan "irresponsible" because it would reverse the positive health benefits of a total ban.