§ Helen SouthworthTo ask the secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the health and safety impact of passive smoking on the health of employees in the entertainment industry; and if he will make a statement. [176634]
§ Jane KennedyNone. The Government's Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health (SCOTH) is currently undertaking a review of the scientific evidence
14Wfinancial redress made by the Department and its Agencies have been authorised in the categories set out in the following tables.
generated since 1998 on the ill health effects of secondhand smoking. The findings of that review are expected shortly.
All employers, including those in the entertainment industry, have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees. This duty extends to risks arising from second-hand smoking. Free guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive provides advice to employers on introducing effective smoking policies in the workplace. The guidance recommends that policies should give priority to the needs of nonsmokers who do not wish to breathe tobacco smoke.