§ Mr. SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) to what extent the targets for effective smoking policy in public places have been met in the last 12 months; [26593]
(2) what steps he will take to improve the voluntary imposition to smoking controls in public places; [26578]
(3) what plans he has to introduce statutory protection of the public from passive smoking. [26579]
§ Mr. ClappisonIn 1992, the Government's target was that 80 per cent. of public places should have effective smoking policies by the end of 1994. The report "Smoking in Public Places, 2nd Survey Report, " a copy of which has been put in the Library of the House of Commons, shows for eight categories of establishment the percentage with an effective smoking policy are:
Category Percentage Shops 63 Advice/money transactions 48 Travel 38 Health 71 Formal education 77 Informal education 62 Food/entertainment 37 Sports/recreation 48 The report relates to a survey carried out in 1995. The Government's position is that non-smoking should be the norm in all enclosed public spaces visited by the public, with facilities as appropriate for those who wish to smoke. In 1991, the Department of the Environment, jointly with other Departments, published a code of practice on smoking in public places which provides practical guidance to owners and managers on implementing suitable policies on smoking. The Government will continue to make copies of that code freely available. The essence of a voluntary approach to smoking in public places is that the public should make their views known without Government interference.
The report shows that the voluntary approach is working, albeit more slowly than had been hoped. The Government had no plans to introduce statutory protection of the public from passive smoking beyond that which already exists.