I DO not smoke, do not pollute the atmosphere and do not contribute to any illness resulting from passive smoking. But, there are two sides to a penny and two points of view.

My mother, as a child of 14, working part- time in the cotton mills of Bolton, smoked Wild Woodbines and Senior Service, and carried out the habit to her demise in her early 80s, which was was not related to any form of smoke-related illness or condition.

The mix of tobacco at that time was more pure and contained far less added poisons and chemicals than those of the present day, ie: chemicals to increase the rate of burning so that they do not go out and allow you to buy more.

I am informed that passive smoking is just as dangerous to the health of mankind.

But then I ask myself, if passive smoking is so dangerous, why will there be no smoking ban in Her Majesty's prisons or in the House of Commons? Is a prison officer not as important as a doctor or health visitor?

There is, however, a bright side. I think I have resolved a problem which has worried me.

Our prisons are full, so we are setting free with early releases many of their occupants. Is this to make room for the smokers that will refuse to pay their fines? Is this an example of reverse spin?

Arnold Harrison, Manchester Road West, Little Hulton