§ Mr. CrausbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to reduce smoking in his Department. [105801]
§ Mr. HainWe have in place a Health Promotion Strategy, based on the White Paper "Our Healthier Nation", and have signed up to the Healthy Workplace Initiative. The strategy includes a policy limiting smoking to designated areas and single occupancy offices. In response to the request by the Government White Paper "Smoking Kills", further restrictions to the smoking policy are under consideration.
We run a campaign on National No Smoking Day and also incorporate anti-smoking initiatives in regular health fairs. Advice on quitting smoking forms part of routine medical clearance procedures for employees (and spouses) going overseas and our doctors and nurses provide one-to-one and group support for individuals who want to quit smoking. Our health and safety team raise awareness about smoking on seminars for senior managers and on pre-posting training courses and we offer a range of information through our Healthline Library. Plans are in hand for a website which will be used to promote various health issues including anti-smoking initiatives.