§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking through the Employment Advisory Service to encourage non-smoking in industry and offices.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerOverall policy on the health hazards associated with tobacco smoking is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Security. I understand from the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that smoking in itself is not considered to be an occupational health hazard, and it would, therefore, be inappropriate for the Employment Medical Advisory Service to attempt to influence smoking habits at work except where it is known to increase the incidence of particular occupational diseases. In such instances—for example, where people are working with lead or asbestos—the Service advises that smokers should stop, or at the very least cut down their smoking.
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