PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
SMOKING IN THE WORKPLACE (9 January 2001)

That this House believes that all employees deserve protection from the harmful effects of passive smoking while they are at work; notes the recent survey of the Office for National Statistics showing that 89 per cent. of the public favour restrictions on smoking at work; accepts that three million non-smokers are frequently or continuously exposed to second hand smoke at work; agrees that passive smoking damages the health and welfare of non-smokers; accepts the conclusion of the Government's Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health that passive smoking is a cause of cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses; believes that a voluntary approach has worked in many situations but has failed in many others and will continue to fail without government action; further believes that it is not unreasonable or impractical to require all employers to do what is reasonably practicable to reduce or eliminate passive smoking exposure; and calls on the Government to accept the recommendation of the Health and Safety Commission to publish formal guidance on how existing health and safety legislation applies to passive smoking at work by introducing the Approved Code of Practice, with strictly limited transitional arrangements for the hospitality trade.

Sponsored by:
Sir Kevin Barron (Labour)