---

Health Bill

I thank my hon. Friend—I will call him my hon. Friend, even though he is on the other side of the House—for that intervention, with which I entirely agree. The Health Committee heard conclusive evidence to suggest that it is not possible to ventilate pubs in an affordable way. The comparison was made with operating theatres, but they have air conditioning systems with positive pressure, which blows everything out to prevent germs from coming in. Such a system cannot be replicated in pubs and clubs. I conclude with two quotes. When, at last November’s ““Britain against cancer”” conference, the head of Glasgow university’s centre for oncology was asked what his single greatest wish was in respect of cancer prevention, he said:"““The key long-term priority is to limit smoking—everything else is lip service.””" Professor Dame Carol Black, the president of the Royal College of Physicians, told the Health Committee:"““There is nothing that this government could do for health that would be better than to actually bring in this ban, absolutely nothing.””"