BMA welcomes smoke-free plan

Commenting on today's (16 November 2004) White Paper on public health for England, BMA Chairman, Mr James Johnson, welcomed the fact that John Reid had gone a long way to making enclosed public places smoke-free but said he had not moved far enough.

Mr Johnson expressed his disappointment that the Health Secretary's plans fell short of banning smoking in ALL enclosed public places. The BMA Chairman also feared the proposed legislation would be confusing, difficult to enforce and its introduction delayed.

While recognising the Secretary of State for Health had taken bold steps in many areas of public health in the White Paper, Mr Johnson urged John Reid to act now and introduce anti-smoking legislation as soon as possible.

Mr Johnson said: "I recognise that John Reid has certainly gone a long way on tobacco but he has wasted an opportunity by not introducing a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places. It makes no sense to allow smoking in some pubs ? what about the health and lives of employees who work in them?

"What concerns me is that by not introducing a complete ban, some pubs may find loopholes in the law to allow smoking. For example if landlords brought in pre-prepared sandwiches would smoking be permitted?

"I am also particularly worried about the time-scale. When lives need saving, doctors act immediately. John Reid should follow this lead. The Queen's speech is next week and these proposals should be in it."

The BMA is pleased to see that Government is tackling issues such as obesity and sexual health. Mr Johnson commented as follows:

"It is good news that the Government has pledged fast access to sexual health clinics. The BMA has been pushing hard for the need to shorten the amount of time patients have to wait for appointments at genito-urinary medicine clinics.

"Other plans in the White Paper to tackle the soaring rates of sexually transmitted infections, for example the launch of a full-scale sexual health campaign and improved chlamydia screening, are very welcome indeed.

"I am also pleased that this White Paper begins to tackle the obesity crisis. The Government is considering some creative and bold initiatives like coding food labels for salt and fat content and restricting junk food advertising."

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