Hospitals (Smoking Ban)

HC Deb 16 October 2002 vol 390 cc892-3W

Mr. Greg Knight

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce a ban on smoking in hospitals and in hospital grounds. [71683]

Ms Blears

Many National Health Service trusts have already banned smoking in their hospitals and hospital grounds and the government have set milestones for implementing smoking policies across the NHS as part of the national service framework on coronary heart disease.

The government is currently considering a comprehensive survey to provide a clear and up to date picture of the current situation across the NHS and to assist in determining what further action should be taken.

Any decisions on further action will need to be taken against the background that the purchase and smoking of cigarettes is not illegal in this country.