LONDON, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- A top British health official says it is only a matter of time before there is a complete ban on smoking in public places in England and Wales.
Speaking on the BBC's Sunday AM, British Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said a total ban would be "simpler".
The current proposed ban exempts pubs not serving food and some private clubs.
A total ban is due to start in Scotland next year and in Northern Ireland the year after.
"By the summer of 2007 almost everybody in the workforce, 99 percent of people, will be in a completely smoke-free environment," said Hewitt.
Last month there was debate in Cabinet over possibly pushing ahead for a ban without exemptions, but after days of behind-the-scenes argument that proposal was rejected, the BBC said.
