§ Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will make a statement on the responsibilities of the Commission in relation to passive smoking; and what actions are being taken in consequence. [17125]
§ Mr. KirkwoodThe Commission is responsible for the terms and conditions of the staff of the House and their working environment. Currently individual heads of the six House departments seek to agree an acceptable smoking policy, including passive smoking, with staff. The Board of Management is carrying out a review of this policy, at the request of the Commission.
A policy on smoking in shared areas of the parliamentary estate, such as corridors and lifts, is a matter primarily for the Administration Committee. Smoking policy in restaurants is a matter for the Catering Committee. Smoking in the offices of hon. Members and their staff is a matter for Members themselves.