The Nation's Chief Medical Officer has once again spelled out the reasons for a ban on smoking in public places.

This time Sir Liam Donaldson has added evidence to his argument that such a ban could bring benefits worth billions of pounds for the economy.

The British Medical Association says the Government really has no excuse now and it is time for Ministers to show leadership and follow the examples set in other countries.

Yorkshire's director of public health Prof Paul Johnstone says second-hand smoke is a real threat to health and they are encouraging employers across all sectors to support a ban on smoking in the workplace.

Prof Johnstone told a summit meeting in Leeds that more NHS trusts should close smoking rooms in a bid to reduce the affects of second-hand smoke.

The case for the bans -- especially in hospitals and health centres -- is proven.

But the question has to be asked, have the great, good and wise on this issue taken time out to step into the "real world"? They have spoken to countless anti-smokers -- but what about the smokers.

One such glimpse into the reality of life comes from Roger Pollard, director of human resources at Airedale Hospital. The trust is committed to providing a smoke-free environment but for the time being has a limited number of designated areas.

It is ironic, but nevertheless a fact, that it is difficult for some patients to give up smoking to go into hospital.

The trust agrees with the view of the director and is to discuss proposals with staff to see how they can be taken forward.

It is not just would-be patients. Thousands of people at all levels are locked into the addiction to nicotine. No matter how many adverts are published or broadcast showing tragic stories of people dying of cancers caused by smoking, they will not stub out their cigarettes. It is right that the campaign for a ban in public and workplaces goes on. But all it has achieved so far is to put groups of people on street corners, huddled together like so many naughty schoolchildren having a crafty cigarette behind the bike sheds. Why not hang "unclean" signs around their necks?

Only those who have won the battle to quit smoking can really say how difficult the challenge can be -- and also list the benefits.

Banning smoking in public places is just like so many other issues, including drugs and alcohol. The experts are very fond of saying why people shouldn't do it but are left wanting in providing realistic and achievable exit strategies and most importantly the funding to help people wanting to get out.

The anti-smoking in public places campaign shows all the signs of going the way of other issues, leading to a mish-mash of misunderstanding and little or no evidence of tackling the basic health issue.

As for the political dithering on the issue, any delay in action provides a handy smokescreen for the fact that tobacco users vote.