§ Mr. Peter GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what facilities are provided and arrangements made for the well-being and comfort of staff who(a) smoke and (b) do not wish to be affected by smoking at (i) the workstation and (ii) rest, recreation and refreshment facilities at the Northern Ireland Office, Whitehall, London. [27085]
§ Sir John WheelerThe Northern Ireland Office in Whitehall has a smoking policy which states that staff are not allowed to smoke anywhere in the accommodation occupied by the Department, other than in the smoking room provided. This ensures a smoke-free environment for non-smokers. Line managers are responsible for ensuring that the smoking room facility is not abused. The smoking room is equipped with a desk and telephone as well as easy chairs to enable smokers to carry on working.
The refreshment facilities are shared with other Government Departments and have separate smoking and non-smoking areas.