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Proceeding contribution from Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour) in the House of Lords on Tuesday, 9 May 2006. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee proceeding on Health Bill.


Health Bill

I am most obliged to the noble Lord, Lord Monson, for that information. That is double the highest number that we have been given relating to people who are at risk from second-hand tobacco smoke. So, although the drivers of these vehicles are not allowed to smoke, they will be forced to draw in noxious substances, which will present them with twice the danger that they are alleged to suffer from smoking a cigarette in the cab. The more one thinks about this, the more absurd it becomes. It is completely and utterly absurd. The Government are trying to bring in legislation which is unenforceable. The odd person will be caught smoking as they drive along the street. A policeman will approach them and say, ““Have you got anyone in the car? If you have, you’re breaking the law. Oh, you haven’t got anyone in the car so that’s alright then. You can carry on smoking””. It is ridiculous. So far as concerns vehicles, the whole thing is descending into farce. I hope that the Minister and the Government will think again about this clause and, in fact, do away with it.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
681 c371GC 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
Subjects
Aircraft Boats Fixed penalties Health hazards Ferries Fines Large goods vehicles Motor vehicles Public places Passive smoking Sportsgrounds Smoking Tractors Sunset clauses
Legislation
Health Bill 2005-06
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk