§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether his Department has evaluated the effect of smoking on environmental pollution; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyNo formal evaluation of the effects of smoking on environmental pollution has been undertaken, but preliminary estimates suggest that overall it has very little impact. It is, however, recognised that smoking can contribute to pollution of the indoor environment, and the Government encourage the implementation of voluntary no-smoking policies. In addition, where banning smoking is appropriate for particular safety or hygiene reasons, the Government have not hesitated to take action.