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A new bill to protect vulnerable adults has been held up by legislation to ban smoking in workplaces in Scotland.

Scottish executive deputy health minister Rhona Brankin told delegates she hoped the protecting vulnerable adults bill would be placed before the Scottish parliament in spring 2006.

"We have to ensure vulnerable adults are protected but it is a very complex piece of legislation and my understanding is that the reason it has been put back a little is to include the smoking provisions," she explained.

Brankin said a joint improvement team had been created to improve services and access online support, and disseminate best practice.

"This is a support service not an inspection service and it will be totally voluntary, but councils should give real consideration to working with it," said Brankin.