asked the Lord President of the Council what action he intends to take with regard to smoking regulations in the Palace of Westminster as a result of the Second Report of the Royal College of Physicians.

I believe this is a matter best left to the general wishes of hon. Members.

As a smoker, may I put in a plea for the non-smokers who, in the places where public business is done, have no way of getting away from the stench raised by the rest of us by our smoking habits?

As a non-smoker, I can only reply that there are many places in the Palace of Westminster where smoking is not allowed. This is a matter which can be carefully considered, but it is obviously one in which the wishes of all Members must be taken into account.