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Health Bill

I suspect that the last person whom anybody who was struggling with their speech would ask for help is the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Sheerman). Although I fear that employees will now have more harm done to them walking to work and breathing in car fumes than they ever would have suffered by breathing in tobacco smoke at work, I will conclude my contribution, Madam Deputy Speaker, given your earlier ruling. The Bill’s smoking provision marks an incredibly sad moment for someone such as me, who believes in individual liberty and freedom. However, although it is sad it is not disappointing, in that it is consistent with this, the most authoritarian, illiberal and intolerant Government whom we have seen in many a year. For all the good things that may well be in this Bill, because of this intolerant, illiberal and authoritarian measure, I am unable to support it tonight. Question put, That the Bill be now read the Third time:— The House divided: Ayes 364, Noes 21.