Poll: Should electronic cigarettes be banned in public?
The Government has "no current plans" to ban people from using electronic cigarettes in public places in England, the Public Health Minister has said.
Jane Ellison was responding to a question asking ministers for their policy on the use of e-cigarettes in "enclosed public spaces".
An idea to ban the use of e-cigarettes at workplaces and public areas was among several proposals raised during a Public Health England board meeting in February.
Documents of the meeting noted officials present observed: "E-cigarette use should be prohibited in workplaces, educational and public places to ensure their use did not undermine smoking prevention and cessation by reinforcing and normalising smoking."
But Ms Ellison, in reply to a written parliamentary question, said: "There are no current plans to restrict the use of electronic cigarettes in public places in England."
She was responding to Labour MP Mark Hendrick (Preston), who had asked Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt "what his policy is on the use of e-cigarettes in enclosed public spaces".
Health charity Ash released figures this week which suggested the number of adults in Britain using the devices has increased from an estimated 700,000 in 2012 to 2.1 million this year.
A YouGov survey suggested 35% of British adults believe electronic cigarettes are good for public health while 22% disagree.
The survey questioned 12,269 adults online last month.
