A REPORT claims three million people in the UK are exposed to tobacco smoke in the workplace.

Is it time for the Government to make a law banning all smoking in the office or factory? Dean Kirby reports.

Newspaper offices used to be places where reporters worked their way through cigarettes as quickly as they hammered out stories on their battered typewriters.

Now those old machines have been replaced by hi-tech computers and there is barely an ashtray in sight.

Similar changes have brought a breath of fresh air to workplaces in different industries up and down the country, where technological progress has gone hand-in-hand with smoking bans.

But many people still complain about working in offices where 21st century working practices are off-set by what they describe as a 19th century attitude to tobacco.

According to a new survey, more than three million workers say they are stuck in smoke-filled rooms where their health is being put at risk.

The poll, carried out by researchers for anti-tobacco campaign group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), comes two years after health experts urged the Government to look at ways of controlling passive smoking at work.

ASH says that, despite this advice, the Government has failed to take proper action.

It now is calling on ministers to introduce a new code of practice that will put pressure on all employers to reduce workers' exposure to cigarette smoke.

ASH spokesman Marsha Williams says: "It is an absolute disgrace that, despite robust evidence and counsel from its own advisors, the Government continues to show utter contempt for the three million people who face a daily assault on their health due to passive smoking exposure."

ASH claims its survey shows that the vast majority of workers think their right to clean air outweighs their colleagues' right to light up.

More than 85 per cent of the people who took part said they were against smoking in the office.

ASH also says that smokers themselves accept that they no longer have a right to take a drag on a cigarette while sat at their desks.

It says almost two-thirds of current smokers agree in principle with workplace restrictions.

"This survey reflects the widespread view that it is simply unacceptable to force people to work in smoke conditions if it can be avoided," Mrs Williams adds.

"The population understands that passive smoking kills, yet millions are being put at risk."

However, the survey has been criticised by pro-smoking groups such as the Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco (FOREST).

The organisation's director, Simon Clark, said: "The ASH survey is nothing new.

"Smokers have fully accepted restrictions on smoking at work and in public places for years.

"But there is a huge difference between restrictions and a total ban enforced by legislation.

"Smoking at work is a matter for individual employers not politicians.

"Companies must be free to choose a policy on smoking that best suits their workforce.

"Anti-smoking fanatics should just butt out."

He adds: "It is perfectly possible to accommodate smokers without inconveniencing non-smokers.

"We recommend smoking rooms and the installation of modern air-cleaning systems." Mr Clark also claims there is no evidence to support the long-held view that passive smoking in the workplace is harmful to non-smokers.

He says: "The alleged effect of passive smoking is one of the great myths of the modern age.

"The Health and Safety Commission has stated that there is no firm scientific evidence linking passive smoking with ill health.

"Even the World Health Organisation admitted that the results of its own study were not statistically significant.

"Legislation imposed by rotten science is unacceptable in a free society."

This is now a view shared by business leaders in Bolton who see the value of having a voluntary code of practice for employers.

Steve Horrocks, Bolton and Bury Chamber's health and safety manager, says: "The dangers to health of passive smoking are proven.

"The chamber would urge companies to ensure that they provide a healthy working environment for all their staff.

"We would welcome the introduction of a voluntary code of practice, where companies are encouraged to consult their staff fully and to consider introducing measures that will create a safe and healthy workplace.

"The chamber, itself, has introduced a no-smoking policy, which was done with full staff consultation. The policy was implemented according to NHS guidelines."

Many local firms have already followed suit.

The ashtrays have gone from the Bolton Evening News office, although there is still a dedicated smoking room.

Will they disappear from your workplace too?

What do you think? Write to Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1DE.