§ Lord Janner of Braunstoneasked the Chairman of Committees:
Why staff smoking policy in the House of Lords is distinct from the rules on smoking applicable to members of the House. [HL364]
§ The Chairman of Committees (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish)As employees of the Clerk of the Parliaments, the staff of the House are subject to various terms and conditions set out in their contracts of employment, and the Staff Handbook, which provides a smoking policy agreed by the House of Lords Whitley Committee. Smoking policy for Members of the House, who are not employees, is a matter for the House itself on the recommendation of the Offices Committee and its Sub-Committees.
§ Lord Janner of Braunstoneasked the Chairman of Committees:
Whether the Library and Computers Sub-Committee has undertaken a study of the effects of smoking on books stored in the Library; and, if not, whether it will do so. [HL365]
§ The Chairman of CommitteesThe Library and Computers Sub-Committee has not undertaken such a study; the Sub-Committee will consider the question of smoking in the Library at its next meeting.
§ Lord Janner of Braunstoneasked the Chairman of Committees:
Further to his Written Answer on 21 December (WA77), whether the Library and Computers Sub-Committee will apply to members the same restrictions on smoking that apply to staff of the House; and, if not, why not. [HL366]
§ The Chairman of CommitteesThe Library and Computers Sub-Committee will consider this proposal at its next meeting.