HC Deb 16 May 1996 vol 277 c549W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what proposals he is now evaluating to encourage the leisure industry to protect workers and customers from the effects of passive smoking; [29221]

(2) what steps he is taking to guarantee a smoke-free atmosphere for those who work in the leisure industry. [29222]

Sir Paul Beresford

The Government's view is that passive smoking can best be addressed by voluntary means. The Department of the Environment has issued a code of practice for owners and managers of public places, providing practical guidance on implementing suitable policies on smoking. The code emphasises that such policies should protect both the public and non-smoking employees from passive smoking. The Health and Safety Executive has issued guidance to employers calling on them to adopt smoking policies to protect workers from the effects of environmental tobacco smoke.

The recently published results of a survey commissioned by the Department of the Environment show the leisure industry to be lagging behind in establishing effective smoking policies. The Government are currently considering how best to target advice and publicity campaigns further to encourage progress in these areas.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with representatives of the workers in the licensed and restaurant trade regarding the dangers of passive smoking incurred by their workers in the leisure industry. [29230]

Sir Paul Beresford

I have held no discussions with representatives of workers in the licensed and restaurant trade on this subject.