§ 2.44 p.m.
§ Lord Faulkner of Worcesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What further steps they will take to protect children from the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)My Lords, for most children exposure to environmental tobacco smoke occurs in the home through the smoking of parents and elder siblings. The 78 Government have published a comprehensive strategy designed to reduce the prevalence of smoking among adults.
§ Lord Faulkner of WorcesterMy Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. Is the noble Lord aware that there is at present some angry correspondence between parents of young children and the Rank Group over the smoking policy the company operates in its Butlin's holiday centres, in particular in indoor play areas and at events where children are present? One child suffered an exacerbation of the asthma from which he was suffering caused, so the local GP said, by the smoky atmosphere at the holiday centre. Does the noble Lord find it extraordinary that there was even smoking in the doctor's waiting room and that so far the company has declined to do anything about that?
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathMy Lords, I was unaware of the case. I am grateful to my noble friend for bringing it to my attention. I understand that for children with asthma to have to inhale smoke can be uncomfortable and distressing. I encourage all companies to observe the public places charter which the Government agreed last September with representatives of Britain's pubs, hotels and restaurants to boost more and better smoke-free facilities. I believe that it also makes good business sense for them.
§ Baroness Gardner of ParkesMy Lords, I speak as a non-smoker and one who is well aware of the ill effects of smoke. Can the Minister define "environmental tobacco smoke"? The noble Lord referred to it as occurring within the home. I presume he means that it occurs anywhere. Does he not believe that there are other equally dangerous carcinogens in the air and that smoking is not the be-all and end-all of this air problem?
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathMy Lords, first, "environmental tobacco smoke" is better known as passive smoking. I agree that there are many areas in which smoking can he inhaled if one is a non-smoker. I believe that by the efforts we are making—I have referred to the public places charter, and there is reference to the Health and Safety Executive, to see whether we can adopt an approved code of practice in relation to the work place—we are taking a responsible approach to encouraging more smoke-free areas while at the same time allowing choice.
§ Lord PestonMy Lords, bearing in mind that we are discussing a filthy product that is deadly dangerous, has the Minister seen the report in the Lancetwhich showed how the producers and purveyors of this disgusting product endeavoured to subvert the latest scientific research on the dangers of passive smoking in a way that was not only dangerous to the interests of the public but also subverted the very science involved? 79 Why have the Government not spoken out against this appalling example of bad behaviour on the part of industry?
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathMy Lords, I have seen the report. However, I cannot comment on the specifics without knowing the full detail. We would be very concerned about any effort made by tobacco companies, or any other interest, to influence unduly the results of scientific research.
We are careful to ensure that research sponsored by my department is conducted under rigorous circumstances, that there is always peer review and that members of research committees with a direct interest in the area being investigated declare that interest.
Lord RentonMy Lords, does the Minister agree with that famous Conservative, Edmund Burke, that example is the school of mankind and that therefore school teachers and the parents of school children should be discouraged from smoking.
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathMy Lords, I am sure it is right that if people set an example it is much easier for children to follow it. I have to say that a degree of humility is due on my part. Another area where example would be effective is among nursing staff. In relation to staff in the NHS, the number of nurses who smoke seems to be relatively high.
§ Baroness Masham of IltonMy Lords, how much damage can be caused to unborn babies by the mother smoking and by smoke in the environment?
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathMy Lords, I cannot quantify the damage, but I am prepared to write to the noble Baroness in that respect. Clearly, there is potential for damage and we must do all we can to ensure that women do not smoke during pregnancy.
§ Lord Janner of BraunstoneMy Lords, will my noble friend follow up that answer by saying what steps the Government are taking to warn parents of unborn children of the dangers of people smoking in their home during the pregnancy?
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathMy Lords, last autumn the Government launched a health education strategy designed to bring home to everyone in the country the dangers of smoking. It addresses adult groups, young people, pregnant women and the less advantaged. In particular, general practitioners giving direct advice in their surgeries can have a powerful impact on people's smoking habits.
§ Lord TomlinsonMy Lords, as my noble friend is aware of the dangers of smoking, will he ensure that the Government take robust action against the spending of 1,000 million euros from the EU budget on subsidising tobacco growing in the EU?
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathMy Lords, I can assure my noble friend that on health, inspection and control 80 grounds the Government strongly disapprove of the tobacco regime within the EU. We continue to press for positive disengagement from that regime.
Lord Bruce of DoningtonMy Lords, does the Minister agree that the incident referred to by my noble friend emphasises the danger of extending qualified majority voting?