MSP thrilled at car smoke Bill success

South Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP and health spokesperson Jim Hume has this week said that he is thrilled that his Member’s Bill - which will make it an offence to light up in vehicles with children present - has received the backing of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee.
John Devlin. 23/06/15 . GLASGOW. Images posed by models. Smoking in a car. Parent smoking with child in car. Cigarette , cigarettes in car, second hand smoke , health , smoking in cars carrying children.John Devlin. 23/06/15 . GLASGOW. Images posed by models. Smoking in a car. Parent smoking with child in car. Cigarette , cigarettes in car, second hand smoke , health , smoking in cars carrying children.
John Devlin. 23/06/15 . GLASGOW. Images posed by models. Smoking in a car. Parent smoking with child in car. Cigarette , cigarettes in car, second hand smoke , health , smoking in cars carrying children.

The Health and Sport Committee of the Scottish Parliament found the propositions in the Smoking Prohibition (Children in Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) Bill to be “needed” and “necessary”, in its Stage 1 report published earlier this week.

The Bill was introduced by Scottish Liberal Democrat South of Scotland MSP Jim Hume last year. It is estimated that 60,000 children are exposed to second hand smoke during car rides each week in Scotland.

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The Health and Sport Committee said in its report that “education campaigns alone have not succeeded in protecting children from exposure to second-hand smoke in vehicles” and that it supports this legislation as a “necessary step.”

Mr. Hume commented: “I’m thrilled that the Committee has put its full support behind my Member’s Bill, citing it as a necessary legal step in the protection of children from the damages of second hand smoke.

“It’s shocking that 60,000 vehicle journeys are made each week in Scotland where children are exposed to second hand smoke in that very enclosed space. And despite what people think, opening a window does not mitigate the harmful effects.

“This Bill has always been about protecting children and giving them a healthy start in life, and I’m delighted that it’s received such comprehensive support from MSPs, charities and members of the public.”