§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to ban smoking in public places in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [125946]
§ Angela SmithA Five-Year Tobacco Action Plan for Northern Ireland was published on 8 July 2003. The Plan does not propose an outright, ban on smoking in public places; rather it stresses the importance of building on changes in public attitudes towards tobacco use, if the overall aim of creating a tobacco-free society is to be met. With this in mind, the Plan includes a series of actions designed to promote the provision of smoke-free premises and facilities.
A copy of the Plan has been placed in the House Library.
§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many responses he has received to the Five-Year Tobacco Action Plan consultation document; and if he will make a statement on the responses received. [126075]
§ Angela SmithNinety-three responses were received. Overall there was broad support for the content of the Plan. A summary of the responses is available on the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety's website at: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/publications/2003/tobaccoplanresponses.pdf
§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to accelerate the introduction of the tobacco strategy for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [126078]
§ Angela SmithThe Five-Year Tobacco Action Plan contains 24 separate action points, complete with details of the key organisations responsible for their implementation. Each action point incorporates a target date and an Implementation Group will be established shortly to take forward the actions within the specified timescales.