Plans to introduce a smoking ban in England descended into chaos this week as Government ministers failed to agree over exemptions.

Health secretary Patricia Hewitt outlined plans to introduce a ban on smoking in all public places, including private members clubs, at Monday's cabinet meeting. She also announced her intention to allow "smoking carriages" - sealed smoking rooms where smokers would continue to be allowed to light up.

But both proposals met with fierce opposition from fellow cabinet members, casting doubt over the final shape of the anti-smoking package and heightening speculation that the Government's White Paper on health would be further delayed.

Culture secretary Tessa Jowell, David Blunkett, work and pensions secretary, and David Miliband, minister of state for school standards, are all believed to be opposed to the idea of smoking rooms, supporting a comprehensive ban.

Meanwhile, former health secretary John Reid, is thought to be lobbying for private members clubs to be exempt from the ban, warning that he would oppose the whole policy if clubs were included.

News of Hewitt's proposals also caused an outcry among hospitality groups and health organisations.

"These proposals don't please anyone," said a spokeswoman for anti-smoking lobby Ash.

"The idea of smoking cabins is completely unworkable. Not only does smoke drift, but it seems likely that these rooms really will turn into 'sin bins', with people taking all sorts of substances as well as nicotine.

"We're now in the ludicrous situation where Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will all have smoking bans, but staff in English pubs and clubs will still be at risk," she added.

British Hospitality Association chief executive Bob Cotton also slammed the proposals. "I think allowing smoking rooms is a dreadful idea," he said.

"The point of legislation is to protect employees, but those who work in or clean the rooms would still be harmed. Exemptions open an awful lot of loopholes."

The compromise solution of smoking rooms was also widely condemned at the first parliamentary Select Committee evidence session on smoking in public places last week.

During the meeting, an influential panel of academics warned that smoking rooms were simply no use in protecting bar staff from the harmful effects of smoke.

Trade unions have also opposed the idea, saying staff would still be exposed to smoke inhalation when cleaning the special rooms.
Meanwhile, pub groups continue to battle against exemptions for private members clubs, which the British Beer and Pub Association said would put local pubs "at a clear disadvantage" if allowed.

By Chris Druce and Jessica Gunn