§ Lord Braine of Wheatleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will prohibit smoking in all government buildings except for certain designated smoking areas; why certain senior staff in government departments have permission to smoke in their offices under so-called "Grandfather's Rights"; and whether these arrangements will now be reviewed. [HL1120]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyWithin the Civil Service it is common practice to create non-smoking working environments with separate facilities for those who wish to smoke. Departments and agencies are responsible for devising their own policies. In the majority of the major employing departments smoking is not allowed in single occupancy rooms.
Government departments and agencies make full use of guidance issued on health and safety and best practice to promote the health and safety of all civil servants; and regularly review their policy on smoking in the workplace.