MERSEY area MPs area clashed yesterday over a controversial bid to ban smoking in cars when children are passengers.

Rosie Cooper (Lab; West Lancashire) backed the Bill brought forward by a Labour backbencher, who said it would cut the terrible toll of asthma and wheezing in children because of passive smoking.

But Dave Watts (Lab; St Helens North), Graham Evans (Con; Weaver Vale) and Stephen Mosley (Con; City of Chester) all opposed the proposed ban.

And the move triggered a furious row, which saw the legislation branded "excessive, intrusive and insulting to British parents who smoke".

Maverick Conservative MP Philip Davies forced a vote which saw MPs approve the Smoking in Private Vehicles Bill by 78 votes to 66, a majority of just 12.

And he launched a fierce attack, saying: "The suggestion of banning smoking in private vehicles with a minor present is yet another unwarranted intrusion on individual freedom.

"In a private vehicle, adults should be free to smoke provided they do not light up and smoke in a way that would distract from safe driving."