Chief medical officer considered resigning over smoking ban

The government's failure to legislate for a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places in England almost led to the resignation of the chief medical officer, Liam Donaldson.

Professor Donaldson admitted to the parliamentary select committee on health last week that he had come close to quitting over the issue after ministers ignored his advice.

Giving evidence to the Health Committee's inquiry into smoking in public places, Professor Donaldson said, “The present proposal [a partial ban] is unsatisfactory for a number of reasons. Firstly it leaves those most exposed to second hand smoke unprotected.

“Secondly, it loses out on the …