SIR - Regarding David Chapman's letter about the smoking ban (T&A, January 19), all political parties had a free vote in the House of Commons to ban smoking in public places.

The majority of people agree with the ban.

When you have been to the funerals of your father, brother, and sister-in-law, the pain, agony, and suffering, all through smoking, that's experience.

Please Mr Chapman, if you smoke, stop as soon as possible.

But, to gain more experience about smoking, visit your nearest hospice, then you will understand the smoking ban.

Keith Robinson, Albert Road, Queensbury