To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to support legislation against smoking in the workplace.
holding answer
Although the Government do not support legislation to ban smoking in the workplace, existing health and safety legislation, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, places responsibility on employers to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees.
The Government are giving careful consideration to the Health and Safety Commission's proposals for an Approved Code of Practice on Smoking in the Workplace (ACoP). While consideration of the ACoP continues, other action is being taken to encourage the provision of smoke free areas in public and workplaces.
We consider that if we are to ensure protection against passive smoking in public places and workplaces, we need action nationally and locally both to raise awareness of the risks associated with passive smoking and to increase the prevalence of smoke free environments. The Department will continue to encourage the development of smoke free policies, working with employers and communities.
Locally, the Department is funding tobacco control alliances across England to work in communities to raise awareness and to increase the number of smoke free environments. Findings from these projects will inform future development of the Department's work in this area.
The Department will, in addition to action already under way, develop education and information resources to raise awareness and understanding of the risks associated with passive smoking.
Yes0 people think so
No0 people think not
Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.