§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice has been given by his Department about the sale and use of cigarettes in hospitals and other health service premises; if he will seek powers to reverse decisions by health authorities not to ban the sale of cigarettes in the premises they administer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyGuidance was issued to health authorities last year with a view to making non-smoking normal practice on Health Service premises and for Health Service staff. It asks authorities not to allow the sale of tobacco products on National Health Service premises, with the possible exception of long-stay, psychiatric or mental handicap establishments. I will be glad to look into any cases where this guidance is not being followed.