To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure the implementation of the ban on smoking in public places in psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric wards of hospitals; and if he will make a statement. (284877)

The smoking ban in mental health in-patient settings came into force on 1 July 2008. We believe that many mental health trusts have implemented the ban with little or no difficulty. These inpatient settings are being transformed for the better and going smoke free is part of this. Mental health staff and patients deserve the same healthier, smoke free environment as the rest of the national health service.

We will continue to encourage mental health trusts to maintain smoke free environments in in-patient settings.