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date: 26 October 2005

embargo: immediate

missed opportunity to make all workplaces smoke-free

Commenting on the Health Bill that will be introduced tomorrow with exemptions to a smoking ban for pubs that serve prepared food and members' clubs, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'This is missed opportunity that is very disappointing. The government is now going ahead with proposals that were overwhelmingly rejected in a public consultation as unworkable. If ministers cannot agree among themselves, then they should give MPs a free vote.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries: Ben Hurley T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07881 622416 ; E: bhurley@tuc.org.uk
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Skills for Life and media enquiries: Dan Ashley T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07880 504846;
E: dashley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 26 Oct 2005