HC Deb 25 March 2002 vol 382 c589W
Ms Walley

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to announce the outcome of the consultation by the panel for regulatory accountability in respect of the approved code of practice on workplace smoking. [45205]

Mr. Leslie

The Panel for Regulatory Accountability did not undertake any public consultation in respect of the approved code of practice on workplace smoking.

However, the Health and Safety Commission completed a consultation exercise on whether to introduce an Approved Code of Practice, and announced, in September 2000, that it favoured the introduction of an Approved Code of Practice.

The Government is giving careful consideration to the Commission's proposals. As part of this process, the Health and Safety Commission has been asked to consider further both the implications of an Approved Code of Practice on the hospitality sector and small businesses generally, and the role the Public Places Charter could play.