§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS hospitals operate a no smoking policy; and what steps the Government are taking to reduce smoking on all NHS sites. [100946]
§ Ms BlearsNo data is held centrally on this issue but 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 are currently considering measures they can take to obtain 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.
§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what policy his Department has adopted on smoking in the workplace. [100938]
§ Ms BlearsThe Department recently reviewed its internal policy on smoking in the workplace. With effect from 1 April 2003, smoking will not be allowed anywhere within buildings which the Department manages.