§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his plans to implement a code of practice on smoking in the workplace; and what consultation there has been with trade unions, health welfare and medical organisations on this issue. [71177]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe White Paper on Tobacco, "Smoking Kills", stated that the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) would consult on whether to introduce an Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) on passive smoking in the workplace.
HSC has completed that task and announced, in September 2000, that it favoured the introduction of an ACoP. Representatives from trade unions, health welfare and medical organisations were all involved in the consultation.
The Government are giving careful consideration to the Commission's proposals. As part of this process, the Commission has been asked to consider further both the implications of an ACoP on the hospitality sector and small businesses generally, and the role the Public Places Charter could play.