LABOUR MP Barry Sheerman accused the Government of "leaning" on the Health and Safety Executive to ignore calls to protect workers from passive smoking.

At Commons question time, the Huddersfield MP said the Health and Safety Executive must cease to be the "back office of a Government department".

It was time it was handed real independence.

"I understand the HSE would dearly like to campaign and really push the Government to do something about the protection of workers at work from passive smoking and that the Government is leaning on the HSE to be quiet about this," Mr Sheerman said.

He added: "If this is true it's a disgrace. Isn't it about time the Government grasped this nettle and protected workers at work very soon."

Health and safety minister Jane Kennedy dismissed the claims, insisting there had been no such pressure.

Ms Kennedy said the HSE and the Health and Safety Commission were independent organisations.

"They are not coming under pressure from the Government not to pursue a campaign of the question of smoking in work.

"Therefore I'm afraid I can't accept the basis of your question."