HC Deb 29 April 1947 vol 436 cc1717-8
45. Mr. Shawcross

asked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to secure the prohibition of the smoking of tobacco during normal working hours in all premises where industry and commerce is carried on, and also at all times in theatres and cinemas.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

No, Sir. I think that any attempt by the Government to prescribe where and when people may smoke might well have exactly the opposite effect from that which we all wish to achieve.

Mr. Shawcross

In view of the fact that we are up against it in this matter of dollars for tobacco, and that the proposal in question would cause those who have not cut down smoking to do so whilst helping those who have, will the Prime Minister consider making an appeal to all concerned voluntarily to enforce such a rule?

The Prime Minister

An appeal is one thing, enforcement by the Government is another. The difficulty is that the hon. Member picks out certain occasions for not smoking, and that might be hard on the people affected as compared with those who have other methods of amusement.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Would the Prime Minister make an appeal to hon. Members of this House not to smoke in the non-smoking part of the Library?

Mr. Henry Usborne

Would the Prime Minister consider the advisability of prohibiting smoking in Underground trains? [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] I understand it is prohibited in the United States of America.

58. Mr. Shawcross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the need to reduce consumption of tobacco, he will prohibit smoking during normal working hours in all offices and establishments of Government Departments.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Glenvil Hall)

No, Sir. But my right hon. Friend hopes that, in the national interest, there will be a voluntary reduction in smoking, both in Government offices and elsewhere.

Mr. Shawcross

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that incessant smoking by people working in Government offices creates an atmosphere of slackness and inefficiency, besides wasting tobacco; and would not those Departments set an example to the nation in the saving of tobacco?

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Will my right hon. Friend at least use his influence with the Minister of Transport to ensure that there is no more smoking in non-smoking carriages on the railways?

Mr. De la Bère

May we know whether the hon. Member for Widnes (Mr. Shawcross) is a non-smoker?