This was the prediction made by Health and Social Services Minister the Hon.

Quinton Edness last night.

Mr. Edness said he supported Prisons Commissioner Mr. Edward Dyer's reasons for wanting to ban smoking in the prison, noting that Government policy was to ban smoking in all public buildings.

And he said the Commissioner was seeking to follow that policy and to help prisoners quit smoking.

But Mr. Edness disagreed with the Commissioner's plan to make the entire prison smoke-free.

"That would be a little too harsh,'' said the Minister who kicked the habit two years ago.

"I haven't had an opportunity to talk with him (Mr. Dyer). But he has the petition (from prisoners asking for a delay of the ban) and I believe that he will come to a conclusion that you just can't stop it (smoking) everywhere at once.

"Cigarette smoking is an addiction and people have to be weaned from it.'' Mr. Edness said it is difficult for anyone to quit smoking, especially those who are jailed.

And he said he was sure the Commissioner and his staff will agree to make an area available for smokers.

Mr. Edness, who expects to meet with Mr. Dyer some time this week, said he was sure that the Commissioner was already considering this.

Asked what will happen if the Commissioner is adamant about the smoking ban, Mr. Edness said: "The Commissioner and I work very well together. I think we will come to a reasonable conclusion.

"I don't expect him to be adamant about banning smoking everywhere. I'm sure by the time I talk to him, he will have a modified plan.'' Mr. Edness noted that Mr. Dyer plans to provide counselling for long-term smokers.

The Commissioner could not be reached for comment last night.

But after receiving a petition from 80 of Casemates' 160 prisoners, he agreed to consider their demands and push back the effective date of the ban.

But Mr. Dyer made it clear that a complete ban on smoking will be in place when the new prison opens in November.