The MoJ started rolling out
restrictions on
smoking with the aim of protecting non-smokers from the effects of passive
smoking, not only on health grounds but also to reduce the likelihood of legal action being brought
against the prison service by inmates and employees alike.
As the 1990s progressed and the rear - guard action
against restrictions on
smoking faded, The Advancement of Sound Science Coalition started receiving funds from Exxon (among other oil companies) and its «junk science» website began to carry material attacking climate change science.