§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will encourage individual health authorities to provide more facilities for smokers who wish to give up the habit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenIt is for health authorities to decide on the level of provision of such facilities in the light of local priorities. The Government have encouraged health authorities to set up units with well-qualified health education officers, part of whose role is to see that adequate help and advice is available to people who want to give up smoking. General practitioners also play an important part and I understand that the Health Education Council is proposing to re-issue to general practitioners later this year a special kit designed to help them advise their patients on giving up smoking. We very much welcome this action.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will re-issue and strengthen the circular HC (77) 3 entitled "Non-smoking in Health Premises"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenMany health authorities have developed policies to control and discourage smoking in health premises in recent years. We are at present considering whether revised guidance is needed.