§ Mr. CrausbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he is taking to reduce smoking in his Department. [105796]
§ Mr. MandelsonNIO has a well established policy on smoking in the workplace which was first introduced in 1991 and a complete ban on smoking, apart from designated smoking rooms, has been in operation in all NIO premises since 1995. The policy has been supported through participation in the annual no-smoking day campaign and various health awareness events where professional and medical advice and information has been made available to encourage staff who smoke to give it up. The Department also intends to participate in the Quit Year 2000 initiative which has just been launched by the Ulster Cancer Foundation.
The Department is currently participating in a detailed Health Survey of all its staff which will identify the mental and physical health of our staff including basic data on smoking habits which will be used to plan future employee well-being activity.