HL Deb 03 February 2004 vol 656 c91WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Northern Ireland Civil Service has the authority to redesignate its 144 smoking rooms for other purposes without agreement from trade unions; and, if so, whether they will redesignate these rooms before they start to consider restricting smoking in public places. [HL734]

Baroness Amos

The Northern Ireland Civil Service has the authority to redesignate its smoking rooms which were first introduced following a ban on smoking in all offices and common areas. However, the Northern Ireland Civil Service would always consult with the trade unions in respect of the implementation of changes such as this.

The timing of any action to redesignate smoking rooms and the wider promotion of smoke-free public places are not interdependent. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety launched a five-year tobacco action plan in July 2003. It was prepared by an inter-sectoral working group and includes a series of actions designed to promote the provision of smoke-free policies. An implementation group, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, has been established to take forward the agreed actions. A copy of the plan has been placed in the House Library.