§ 29. Mr. Adam Hunterasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is on his instruction that special rules are being operated by hospital authorities in Scotland for patients smoking in geriatric wards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MillanIn March, 1964, my right hon. Friend's predecessor issued to hospital authorities guidance, which had been endorsed by the Scottish Health Services Council about smoking in hospitals. It indicated that smoking by in-patients should be discouraged, though not prohibited, but a less restrictive attitude was justified in psychiatric and geriatric units. Recently my right hon. Friend asked hospital authorities to continue the policy of restricting smoking in hospitals, but he sees no reason to modify the previous guidance in relation to geriatric units.
§ Mr. HunterIs my hon. Friend aware that there is great controversy about the 1712 no smoking ban in the Milesmark Hospital, Dunfermline? Would he not agree that a ban of this kind on male, patients in bed, even under supervision by visitors and staff, is causing real discomfort to the patients? Would he investigate this matter?
§ Mr. MillanI shall certainly investigate what my hon. Friend has said. As I have stated, there are special circumstances in geriatric hospitals, and obviously a complete ban on smoking could cause considerable hardship to confirmed smokers. Certainly we have no wish to see that happen.