§ Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will make it his policy to ensure that every non-smoking employee in his Department has the right to work in a smoke-free area; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make a statement on the progress in implementing a smoke-free policy throughout his Department.
§ Mr. EggarThe Department's policy generally is to encourage staff who wish to smoke to have regard to the convenience and comfort of non-smokers. Smoking is prohibited in lifts and toilets. It is customary not to smoke in conference rooms or in shared offices unless a majority of the staff sharing the office agree to allow it. This voluntary restraint works effectively in practice. The Department is not satisfied that a change of policy is required.