ANOTHER blow has been struck against smokers, with a Scots council banning them from adopting or fostering children aged under five.

Applicants who smoke will have their bids rejected by South Lanarkshire unless they agree to kick the habit and provide a smoke-free home.

The measure extends to people who have already been approved as foster parents, including eight smokers who will be offered to help to quit.

South Lanarkshire is following on the heels of several other authorities, including Dundee and several south of the border, all in line with guidance from the British Association for Adoption and Fostering.

Glasgow, for its part, is said to be working up a more formal' policy governing foster carers and adoptive parents.

The BAAF claims that 17,000 kids aged under five are admitted to hospital every year with illnesses linked to passive smoking.

In support of the move are organisations such as ASH Scotland, which says that kids are more at risk from second-hand smoke because of their smaller lungs.

On the other side of the argument are groups opposed to what they see as a continuing crackdown by the nanny state'.

FOREST - the Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco - campaigns against smoking bans and discrimination against smokers.

It alleges that common-sense is conspicuous by its absence in the thinking behind the ban, and argues that it could deprive a child of a caring home at a time when the UK is short of 20,000 foster carers.

It also asked whether South Lanarkshire would examine the amount of alcohol a would-be foster parent consumed, or the kind of food they would provide.

Which side of the fence do you come down on?

Is the move something to be applauded and extended? Or is it an example of our politicians thinking that nanny knows best?

Safeguarding children's health or the nanny state gone mad?
CAMERON BLANCH, 20, shop assistant, Glasgow: In general I think it is a good idea. If a child can't speak up for themselves then it is our responsibility to speak for them.	LISA KENNEY, 19, student, Riddrie: I think that everyone has the right to adopt but we have to be more considerate when the welfare of a child is in question.	STEVEN ROONEY, 27, training consultant, Renfrew: I agree with the councils. A child exposed to any form of smoking is not good at all.	EILEEN AFFLECK, 72, retired, Paisley: It is quite frankly ridiculous to punish smokers in this way. As I was growing up, smoking didn't do me any harm at all.

SARAH LEITCH, 23, student, Glasgow: I feel that it is slightly unfair on parents who smoke, but do so outside, away from their children.

ROBERT MASON, 67, architect, Strathaven: I don't think these proposals by councils go too far at all. The health of the child is the most important factor.

ERIC YOUNG, 51, banker, Shawlands: It is political correctness gone mad. I smoke but chose not to in front of my kids. The government is slowly trying to ban smoking.

JENNIFER CHAPMAN, 21, student, Glasgow: I think it is a good idea. The environment a child is raised in is crucial to their development and general well-being.