Conflicting smoke signals
The Conservative Party sent out a mixed message on whether smoking should be banned in enclosed public places at its annual conference in Bournemouth last week.
Speaking at a fringe meeting, Sir George Young, MP for North-west Hampshire, said a Conservative government would act to ban smoking in enclosed public places by introducing a free vote in the House of Commons.
He rejected the idea that a ban smacked of a nanny state. "The Conservative Party supports the freedom of the individual when there are no direct consequences to a third party. But in the interdependent society in which we live, the health of one's neighbour affects the health of oneself," he said.
Young said he believed the proposed ban would win support across the parties and public, comparing it with other laws brought in under the Conservatives, such as compulsory wearing of seat belts.
Young's comments were not reinforced by fellow party member David Amess, MP for Southend West, who described a ban in another meeting as "unenforceable".
Andrew Lansley, Conservative shadow secretary of state for health, also voiced caution.
"We're not convinced a ban on smoking would be appropriate at this juncture. Our philosophy means we would rather have a voluntary process," he said. "We're not in the habit of banning things people find pleasurable."
