Fears For Children

Charity warns that Scotland is in danger of being left in the slow lane on smoking in cars.

Smoking in cars when children are present is to be banned in Wales.

First Minister Carwyn Jones is to launch a consultation on the ruling.

It's feared Scotland is in danger of being left behind.  Liberal Democrat MSP Jim Hume will be introducing a members' bill to protect kids from second hand smoke. At an early stage in February his proposal gained support from every party in the Parliament.

Commenting on the news that the Welsh Government is to ban smoking in cars with children, Dr James Cant, Head of British Lung Foundation Scotland said:

"This fantastic news means that progress is being made towards banning smoking in cars with children everywhere in Great Britain. Now we need to make sure that Scotland isn’t left behind.

"17% of 11-16 year olds in the UK are exposed to second-hand smoke more than once a week. This poses an immediate health risk through conditions such as asthma, glue ear and cot death. We know we need to take action.

"Our MSPs now have to get behind efforts to protect our children from tobacco smoke and ensure a bill is passed as soon as possible."

Wales now joins England in having Government backing for the move.