This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Parliament approves first stage of Smoking Bill
28/04/2005
The Scottish Parliament tonight
approved stage one of the Bill that seeks to improve public
health by prohibiting smoking in enclosed public
places.
MSPs voted in favour of the Smoking Health and Social
care ( Scotland ) Bill by a majority of 83 to 15 with three
abstensions. The Bill now goes back to committee for more
detailed scrutiny.
Health Minister Andy Kerr hailed the outcome as the
start of a new era for improving Scotland's health.
He said:
"I am delighted that so many MSPs from different
political perspectives have united around this, the most
significant piece of Public Health legislation in a
generation.
"What we all recognise is that the case for reducing
exposure to second hand smoking is indisputable.
"Smoking is the single largest cause of preventable
premature death in Scotland and passive smoking in
responsible for many of these deaths.
"Lifting the smoke blanket from our pubs, clubs,
cafes, restaurants and enclosed public spaces will save
hundreds of lives every year.
"It will bring priceless benefits and w e must now
deliver it for the sake of this and future
generations."
Speaking about the wider aspects of the Bill, the
Minister added:
"There are a range of other measures in the Bill
which will see major improvements to the delivery of health
care in Scotland .
"Free eye and dental checks by 2007 will make a huge
difference to patients of both these services.
"NHS Boards will now also provide pharmacy and dental
services based on what patients need, working in
partnership with those providing services and pharmacists
will get a greater role in providing new services."
Earlier Mr Kerr and First Minister Jack McConnell
demonstrated the extent of support for the Bill by
unveiling a special map of Scotland surrounded by the logos
of companies and organisations who already have an official
no-smoking policy in place.
Companies, organisations and individuals who wish to
show their support publicly can do so by registering their
details on the
Clearing the
Air website where lists of supporters are being
compiled.