'Two million' smokers set to quit

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The No Smoking Day charity says more than 2m smokers will use its annual campaign day as a chance to quit.

And it says the smoking ban being introduced later this year will also provide a big incentive to quit.

But the Conservatives claim many primary care trusts (PCTs) have actually cut or frozen their budgets for helping people to beat smoking.

Wales will go smoke-free on 2 April, Northern Ireland on 30 April and England on 1 July.

A ban in public places in Scotland has been in force for almost a year.

'Saving lives'

The No Smoking Day charity says it expects more people to quit this year - its 24th campaign - than ever before.

And Chief Executive Ben Youdan says one in five smokers plan to give up when the ban comes in.

"Our number one tip would be don't go it alone," he said.

"Get in touch with your local stop smoking service because using their help and support can increase your chances of success by up to four times."

If we truly want to protect people's health, we have to make sure that effective services are in place to help them give up Keith ProwseBritish Lung Foundation <a class="" href="/1/hi/wales/6447491.stm">Ban 'prompts smokers to quit'</a>

But a study carried out by the Conservatives claims 44 of 115 PCTs surveyed had cut or frozen funding for smoking cessation during this financial year.

Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "It's depressing that these cuts are coming just before the introduction of the smoking ban, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it represents to encourage thousands of smokers to quit."

But a spokesman for the Department of Health said it had spent £56m in 2006, up from £51m the year before, and had exceeded its target for successful quitters.

Smokers' rights

Keith Prowse, chairman of the British Lung Foundation, said No Smoking Day was the perfect time to stop before the ban takes effect.

"If we truly want to protect people's health, we have to make sure that effective services are in place to help them give up," Mr Prowse said.

"That would also be a great benefit to those who already have lung disease."

But not everyone is supporting the campaign and the Lords and Commons Pipe and Cigar Smokers' Club will host an event today in London to promote their rights.

Meanwhile, Westminster Council has "named and shamed" several government offices including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for the number of cigarette butts dropped by employees on the pavement outside.