Question: Are the public ready for the smoking ban in England?

Caroline Flint: I think they are ready for it. We know that when we were taking the legislation through Parliament we had this huge fantastic debate, radio phone-ins, all the TV and newspapers, it really got people talking which is great for democracy because you don't always get that interest, and we knew as the debate went on that more and more people were coming round to the idea of a more comprehensive piece of legislation.

Since then I think we're up to something like 70 to 75 per cent of the public backing this legislation. So I think it's the right direction, I think it's in line with public thinking, and for smokers - 70 per cent of whom say they want to give up - it's a real opportunity for them as well as for non-smokers who many of them don't use cafes and restaurants and bars because they don't like having a night out in a smoky atmosphere.

Question: Councils are being asked to enforce and implement this, how big a job are they being asked to do?

Caroline Flint: We're taking it very seriously. That's why we've been working with the various organisations, training for local officers, they're developing their own plans locally with businesses and employers and other organisations.

What I know from having visited Dublin, I'm in Scotland next week and I visited New Yew last year, is that the preparation beforehand is key because the more we can explain and reassure businesses about what they have to do and answer any questions they have - that's why we've got an online service for businesses to register, 1.7m businesses will be getting from national government a guide as well as signs to use backed up by support at a local level. Then I think when it comes to July 1 hopefully it will be as seamless as possible.

There haven't been in Ireland and elsewhere a large number of prosecutions, a tiny amount of prosecutions, and part of that is compliance by organisations but also the co-operation of the public with the legislation. So the more done up front is going to help make this as smooth as possible.

Question: Does the public have a big role to play in enforcing this?

Flint: I think the public have a huge role to play. I think when you use terms like enforcement you have images of people walking around in jackboots.

I actually think that we're pushing at an open door here with this legislation, I think that was very much shown by the interest as we took the legislation through Parliament and certainly I think that people just need to be aware of what will happen.

For example we've had a few businesses say can we still have our smoking room, and of course they can't, so this period - we haven't just started on this 100 day countdown, we've been talking to businesses for some time now - but this 100 day countdown gives us a chance to make sure, double check, that opportunity for anybody to check they're going to be in compliance.

One of the great things about the legislation is because it is so comprehensive and its a level playing field that has made it a lot easier as well, because in what could be a very complicated area it is a relatively straightforward piece of legislation with very few exemptions, very few caveats built into it.

Question: What’s the best case scenario for the number of people giving up?

Caroline Flint: I wouldn't want to put a number on it but we know that a number of organisations are already telling us that people are setting July 1 as their quit date, and we'll continue and to support through the NHS those services for people to give up, and I'm really pleased the chancellor announced a reduction on VAT in the Budget on nicotine replacement patches because that'll help too.

But let's also remember that second hand smoke is a killer too, and the majority of people in England are non-smokers and for those people it's going to be a huge boost for their health, an opportunity to enjoy life and enjoy going out.

Question: David Cameron gave a speech last weekend about a renewed emphasis on public health, mentioned the possibility of changing the department’s name, new advertising campaigns - what do you think?

Caroline Flint: It's nice to hear the Conservatives are recognising how important public health is. I think the government has very much put public health at the heart of its agenda. Many of the reforms we're seeking in the health service, to move services out of hospitals, to get that prevention debate, is all about public health, and what I would say to David Cameron that talking is one thing, actually doing the business is something else.

When I stand up in Parliament and have Conservative MPs wanting to protect everything as it is rather than accept change I find his words don't quite actually chime with what some of his backbenchers are saying.

If you're going to change and recognise the health service is as much about prevention as treatment then we have to have a step change in our attitudes, and that means we have to have a good hard look at our hospitals to see if they're really working, and that means moving services into communities.

And therefore you cannot have every time that's discussed Conservative MPs saying we want change but we want everything to stay as it is as well. And of course the other thing is you've got to put the money behind the talk and David Cameron and others voted against the increase in money for the NHS and their policies don't bode well for public services spending in the future.

So I'm glad he's coming on to our ground, but I think substance is more than soundbites.