HC Deb 20 January 1998 vol 304 c484W
38. Mr. Chaytor

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what progress he has made in developing a comprehensive policy on smoking in the Palace of Westminster. [21752]

Mr. Kirkwood

The 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 with staff. The Board of Management is carrying out a review of this policy, at the request of the Commission.

Policy on smoking in shared areas of the parliamentary estate, such as corridor 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.