SMOKEFREE LEGISLATION

Early day motion 333, tabled 15 June 2005 by David Taylor (Labour). Signed by 70 members.

That this House welcomes the Government's announcement of a Bill to restrict smoking in workplaces and public places in England and Wales and the vote of the National Assembly for Wales calling for powers to introduce comprehensive smokefree legislation in Wales; further welcomes the strong public support for smokefree public places in Northern Ireland shown by the recent consultation process; notes that such legislation has already proved a popular and public health success in Ireland, New York and elsewhere; believes that any exemptions for pubs which do not serve prepared food and for private membership clubs would complicate enforcement of smokefree legislation, undermine its public health benefits and reduce its impact on health inequalities; and therefore calls on the Government to accede to the request of the National Assembly for Wales and to majority opinion in Northern Ireland, and to introduce comprehensive smokefree legislation in this House at the earliest opportunity.

Signatures by party: Labour 47, Liberal Democrat 15, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, DUP 1, Independent 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.