§ Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.
§ Mr. Cope[holding answer 29 January 1990]: The Northern Ireland Civil Service, with the support of the Trade Union Side of the Whitley council, introduced in 1987 a formal policy on smoking in Government premises.
Under the terms of this policy smoking is specifically prohibited in:
- 1. Conference rooms when used for meetings with civil servants;
- 2. Training rooms;
- 3. Lifts;
- 4. Official cars;
- 5.Kitchens, other cooking facilities, mess rooms and food stores;
- 6. Public counters and security/reception points.
A mechanism was also established by which, through local agreement, the occupants of buildings could introduce further measures.
In recognition of members of staff who choose to continue smoking, smoking rooms have been provided in those buildings where smoking at the workplace has been restricted or banned.
The policy is monitored on a continuous basis.
With regard to the Home Civil Service element in the Northern Ireland Office, management endorse the ideal of non-smoking as a safeguard to health. However, HCS staff occupy accommodation which is shared with other Government Departments, and it is also difficult to secure extra space for designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted in areas such as lifts. The matter is kept under review.