§ 87. Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is his departmental policy towards smoking in the work place.
§ Mr. NichollsMy right hon. Friend welcomes the publication by the Health and Safety Executive in November 1988 of a free booklet "Passive Smoking at Work" which recommends that employers, in consultation with employees or their representatives, develop and implement policies to control smoking in their work place. The booklet advises employers to limit the exposure at work of non-smokers to tobacco smoke.
§ Mr. SimsTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if, in the light of criticisms of the Health and Safety Executive's booklet "Passive Smoking at Work" he will take steps to withdraw this booklet from circulation and replace it with one which has the approval of the medical profession, and which takes account of the advice of the fourth report of the Independent Scientific Committee on Smoking and Health; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NichollsMy right hon. Friend supports the advice given by the Health and Safety Executive in the booklet "Passive Smoking at Work" and has no intention of asking the executive to withdraw or replace it. The booklet takes account of the fourth report of the independent scientific committee on smoking and health and also refers readers to other sources of more detailed advice such as that published by the Health Education Authority. It outlines practical ways in which smoking policies can be introduced at work and was agreed with representatives of employers, trade unions and the medical profession.