Lighting up?

Even before they reach the hurdles of the legislation on the NHS and schools, we could see a big rebellion by Labour backbenchers over smoking.

In less than a fortnight, MPs will debate the Health Bill which contains proposals to introduce a partial ban on smoking in public places.

When the Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt re opened the consultation on smoking, it was assumed by many that the Government would decide for a total ban in pubs and clubs.

But following ferocious rowing in Cabinet - rowing which spilled out in public - she was defeated and ended up announcing the partial ban originally authored by her predecessor at health, John Reid.

That would still allow smoking in pubs and clubs that do not serve prepared food. Private members clubs - whether they be the clubs of Pall Mall or working men's' clubs - would also be able to choose to allow smoking.

44 Labour backbenchers have already signed a motion calling for "a complete and total ban." If they all voted against the Government that could leave Mr Blair relying on Tory support to win the vote.

Kevin Barron chairs the Health Select Committee

The Labour MP who chairs the Commons Health committee is Kevin Barron. This week his committee will be questioning the public health minister Caroline Flint about why the Government hasn't gone for a total ban.

Andrew Rawnsley asked him whether he thought the government could be defeated on smoking.