On 11 January 2006, the government further announced that it would give MPs a free vote on an amendment to the Health Bill, submitted by the Health select committee, to instigate a comprehensive smoke-free workplace regulations. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt voted in favour of the amendment and, in so doing, voted against her own department's then publicly stated policy (i.e.
On January 11, 2006, the government announced that it would allow MPs to vote freely on an amendment to the Health Bill submitted by the Health select committee to enact comprehensive smoke-free workplace regulations. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt voted in favor of the amendment and, as a result, went against her own department's previously stated policy.