§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to ban smoking on trains. [137810]
§ Mr. SpellarTranslink has advised that there has been a smoking ban on trains since April 1997.
§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his policy is on smoking in public houses in Northern Ireland. [137811]
§ Angela SmithThe policy on smoking in public houses in Northern Ireland is driven by the Public Places Charter, launched by the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade in October 2000. To date, over 700 licensed premises have signed up to the Charter which aims to encourage venues to improve provision for non-smokers as well as overall air quality. Potential customers are able to make informed choice by identifying the smoking policies in public houses and restaurants through appropriate signage.
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety published a five year Tobacco Action Plan in July 2003. The Plan identifies 24 separate action points which are being taken forward by an Implementation Group. These include actions to promote the provision of smoke-free public places.