A SURVEY of North MPs suggests that campaigners for a complete workplace smoking ban still have some work to do.

The results of the survey, released by Fresh, which is campaigning for smoking bans, show that most MPs are either undecided or favour some form of exemption to allow smokers to continue to light-up in private clubs.

If the MPs are successful in leaving private clubs outside the legislation, it could mean that thousands of drinkers who use workingmen's clubs would continue to be exposed to the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke.

Ailsa Rutter, the director of Fresh, is making renewed appeals to the region's MPs, including former Health Secretary Alan Milburn.

Ms Rutter said it was particularly important for the Darlington MP to back a total workplace ban because of his status as the former head of the NHS.

She said: "He has done some great work with encouraging smoking cessation and bringing in changes which have improved the treatment of heart disease.

"I am appealing to Mr Milburn to back a total workforce ban. If he backs a ban, I am sure other MPs will follow his example.

"On an issue like this, either you believe that secondhand smoke kills you or you do not.

"He knows the burden that tobacco causes in the North-East, he knows it is our number one killer and the main reason for health inequality.

"We do not want some bar workers protected and others exposed to secondhand smoke. It is often young women bar workers who are exposed in this way and we do not think this is fair."

Fresh is a powerful alliance of all the North-East's primary care trusts, local councils, the North East Chamber of Commerce, development agency One NorthEast and County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority. The group has written to every North MPs at least three times asking for their support, followed by phone calls.

The survey of the MPs' last public statements shows that a total workplace ban is supported at the moment by only nine North MPs: David Anderson, Vera Baird, Frank Cook, Roberta Blackman-Woods, Jim Cousins, Dr Ashok Kumar, Chris Mullin, Dennis Murphy and Dari Taylor.

Another eight are in favour of exemptions for private clubs, including Peter Atkinson, Stephen Byers, Alan Campbell, Ronnie Campbell, David Clelland, John Cummings, Helen Goodman and Doug Henderson.

Those whose position is unclear include Hilary Armstrong, Tony Blair, Sir Stuart Bell, Bill Etherington, Stephen Hepburn, Sharon Hodgson, Kevan Jones, Fraser Kemp, Alan Milburn, David Miliband, Ian Wright, William Hague, Anne Mackintosh and Phil Willis.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister declined to say how he would vote.

MPs are expected to be given a free vote in the next few months.