Health Bill

moved Amendment No. 27A:"Page 3, line 38, at end insert—" ““(   )   The power to make regulations under subsection (1) is not exercisable so as to specify any description of vehicle that— (a)   is not used or is not being used for business purposes; (b)   is hired for private use; or (c)   is used for business purposes by only one person at any one time.”” The noble Lord said: This clause enables regulations to be made for vehicles to be made smoke-free. Regulations will make provisions for the description of vehicles, circumstances, perhaps specific areas, and any other exemptions. The Explanatory Notes state the intention to ensure that,"““vehicles that are used for work purposes or are available for public transportation, are covered by smoke-free provisions””" in a fashion that is equivalent to those made for premises. I have no problem with public transportation, but my amendment would recognise that there is no justification for prohibiting smoking in privately owned and used vehicles, including family cars. I have done a little checking on what has been happening elsewhere in the world. I wonder whether the Minister is listening—there is little point in asking him questions if he is not actually listening to them. I see he is back again, so we can carry on.