§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will report progress regarding a policy on smoking in the Palace of Westminster.
§ Mr. Beith[holding answer 7 February 1994]: Following the reply that I gave to the hon. Member on this subject on 14 June last, the Commission has discussed policy on smoking in the House, and has concluded that this is a matter primarily for individual Departments of the House, for the relevant Domestic Select Committees, and for mutual agreement between the occupants of offices. The Library, Finance and Administration, and Refreshment Departments have taken action to formalise voluntary no smoking arrangements for their staff.
There has been no change in the arrangements which prohibit or curtail smoking in certain parts of the House used by Members. In addition, Rooms A, C and D of the Members' Library have been designated no smoking areas and the Catering Committee has agreed to the establishment of no smoking areas or arrangements in all Refreshment Department outlets.
In addition, the Refreshment Department has established, in consultation with relevant staff representatives, a mandatory no smoking policy to meet statutory requirements for its storage, production and service areas.
The Administration Committee has smoking policy on its agenda for consideration in the near future.