Consultation paper shows devolution in action, says Brian Gibbons

20 Jun 2005

The consultation paper published today by the Wales Office and Department of Health shows devolution in action as it makes clear Wales will be able to make its own policy on banning smoking in enclosed public places, Health Minister Brian Gibbons said today.

The consultation paper proposes that the Welsh Assembly Government should be enabled under the terms of the Bill to make its own provision to implement its own policy on the matter.

Brian Gibbons said: "This consultation paper makes it clear that in Wales we will be able to make our own policy on banning smoking in public places. Less than a week after the publication of the White Paper on the future of devolution in Wales we can clearly see how the UK Government intends to draft Bills which will give the Assembly wider powers to decide how we implement policy in Wales.

"In Wales we have already carried out a great deal of work on this issue. An all-party Committee has reported back after considering the current evidence on the health risks of second-hand smoke and the economic impact of restrictions on smoking in public places. This followed the National Assembly’s vote to ban smoking in public places. I will be giving a detailed response to the Committee report very shortly, and this will outline the way forward for Wales, and I welcome the fact that we will be able to do what we think is right for the country.

"Today’s consultation paper shows how we can make policy that is designed for Wales and reflects the wishes of the people of Wales. It also shows how well the Assembly Government and UK Government work together to make devolution deliver."