THE Government's "evidence" for allowing smoking to continue in some pubs was rejected by its own health experts yesterday.

The officials told MPs there was no proof that a ban in all pubs would increase deaths from more passive smoking in the home.

That argument was put forward by former Health Secretary John Reid last year to justify his proposal to allow smoking in pubs that did not serve food.

Dr Reid said most exposure to smoke occurred at home - a problem that would worsen if smokers had nowhere they could go to enjoy a puff with their pint.

And he warned: "If we force people into their homes, as the only place where they can smoke, we could end up with more people dying of passive smoking at home."

But Dr Fiona Adshead, the deputy chief medical officer, told the health select committee: "There is not any current evidence that would support that view."

In contrast, Dr Adshead said 1.7 per cent of smokers in England were expected to quit, even under the Government's proposed restrictions - which would mean 175,100 giving up.