HC Deb 25 October 1973 vol 861 cc625-6W
Dr. Summerskill

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance, if any, he issues to hospitals regarding smoking in wards and regulations to limit or forbid it.

Sir K. Joseph

Hospital authorities were asked in June 1971 to review their rules about smoking when new guidance was issued which emphasised that hospitals had an important role to play in setting an example to patients and visitors. It was suggested that smoking was generally undesirable in wards, and that if smoking was allowed in hospitals it was important to respect the wishes of non-smokers.