MPs in Bradford today welcomed a free vote for a complete ban on smoking in pubs and clubs in England.

Downing Street said all Labour MPs, including ministers, can vote as they wish on an amendment scrapping an exemption for pubs not serving food and private members' clubs.

The free vote on the issue has increased the chance of a total smoking ban in enclosed public places - one of the major aims of the Telegraph & Argus Clear The Air campaign.

Consumer Minister Gerry Sutcliffe, who represents Bradford South, said he was pleased the Government had been open-minded and promised to vote for a complete ban. He said: "I don't think a partial ban will work and it would be very difficult to police. I think people would be too confused by a partial ban for it to work correctly."

He added: "A complete ban would also improve health and that is the biggest issues. I think it is in the public interest, and the interests of MPs, to work in a healthy environment."

Mike Wood, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, said: "I am minded to vote for a complete ban but I'll first weigh up the arguments put forward by both Parliament and my constituents."

Ann Cryer, Labour MP for Keighley, said she would definitely vote for a total ban.

She said: "I am quite pleased the Government is letting us make up our own minds. A complete ban will be so much better for people who work in the service industry and pubs, clubs and restaurants."

But Marsha Singh, Labour MP for Bradford West, said: "I have not made my mind up yet but I am going to think about it seriously. I have been talking to a lot of people about a smoking ban and I am getting mixed messages. Some are calling for a complete ban, other are saying people should have access to pubs where they can smoke."

Philip Davies, Tory MP for Shipley, said: "I don't smoke and I don't like going in to smoky pubs, so I don't. That's my choice.

"If I own a pub or a restaurant it should be up to me whether or not I allow smoking, depending on the feedback from my customers. We don't want a nanny state where people tell us whether or not we can smoke."

Prime Minister Tony Blair acted after an amendment to the Health Bill - removing exemptions for non-food pubs and private clubs - was tabled by the members of the influential health select committee.