Smoking in the Workplace

HC Deb 31 March 2003 vol 402 c538W

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what policy his Department has adopted on smoking in the workplace. [100921]

Mr. Paul Murphy

The Northern Ireland Office has a well established policy on smoking in the workplace which was first introduced in 1991 and a complete ban on smoking, apart from designated smoking rooms, has been in operation in all NIO premises since 1995. The policy has been supported through participation in the annual no-smoking day campaign and various health awareness events where professional and medical advice and information has been made available to encourage staff who smoke to give it up.

In Belfast the Department has recently organised a self help group through the local Action Cancer charity to assist staff who wish to stop smoking.

Within the Northern Ireland Administration smoking is not permitted in any premises occupied by NIGS staff, except in designated smoking rooms. This ban includes public offices, workshops and depots and extends to all areas including single occupancy rooms, training and conference rooms, corridors, toilets, canteens, reception areas and vehicles.