JACK McCONNELL has indicated he may look at extending the smoking ban if he wins power again in May.

JACK McCONNELL has indicated he may look at extending the smoking ban if he wins power again in May.

The year-old ban currently covers only enclosed public spaces but Mr McConnell said: "I believe there is further action we can take, in relation to young people in particular."

He was responding to calls from Labour backbencher Irene Oldfather.

The MSP for Cunninghame South called on him to look at widening the ban "in ways which will in particular protect children and young people".

She said this should include examining the effects of smoking on young people in cars and some outside areas.

Mr McConnell said: "I believe we should build on the public support that has been shown for the anti-smoking legislation by promoting an agenda for public health in Scotland that I believe can secure the same support.

"I look forward over the next few years to building on the sense of national pride that the smoking ban has delivered."

He said studies had indicated air pollution in pubs had dropped by 86% as a result of the ban and the health of bar workers had also "dramatically" improved.

"I'm confident the longer term impact of the ban will be to improve people's health and to reduce the burden on the NHS," he added.

Mr McConnell backed the LibDems' call for long-term conditions, such as respiratory conditions, to be tackled by the new parliament.