Call to stop exemptions to Wales smoking ban (From Free Press Series)

Call to stop exemptions to Wales smoking ban

6:20pm Tuesday 9th October 2012 in News

 PLAID Cymru will demand that what they call "dangerous proposals" to bring in exemptions to the smoking ban in Wales are brought before the Assembly’s health committee.

Plaid’s Shadow Health Minister, Elin Jones, is keen to take action to stop the Welsh Government pressing ahead with their planned exemption of the smoking ban for film and television sets.

Miss Jones said that the smoking legislation enjoyed widespread support when it was originally passed by the National Assembly, and that any rolling back would expose film workers to unnecessary risks.

She, said:"The effect of the smoking ban has been remarkable. There has been a 3% drop in the number of smokers, and fewer people are being admitted to hospital because of heart attacks and asthma attacks.

"Plaid Cymru is dedicated to protecting the nation’s health and we are proud of the benefits that legislation has achieved.

Furthermore, we think that changing the legislation is simply unnecessary. That is why I will request that this exemption to the legislation is brought before the health committee so that it can be subject to the proper scrutiny process."