SMOKING IN THE WORKPLACE

Early day motion 1621, tabled 12 July 2002 by Kevin Barron (Labour). Signed by 121 members.

That this House notes the recent group statement by 29 of the world's leading cancer experts that passive smoking causes cancer; is consequently concerned about the serious health implications for the estimated three million non-smokers in the United Kingdom who are routinely exposed to passive smoke while at work; believes that employees in this situation need stronger protection and will continue to suffer unless government takes action; further notes new Office for National Statistics figures showing as many as 86 per cent. of the public are in favour of restricting smoking in workplaces; urges the Government to pay heed to the cancer experts' findings and implement the Health and Safety Commission-backed Approved Code of Practice on passive smoking at work with immediate effect; is convinced the ACoP would significantly reduce or eliminate passive smoking exposure; and further believes it is incomprehensible that business leaders continue to oppose the ACoP given that second-hand smoke is a killer.

Signatures by party: Labour 74, Liberal Democrat 21, Labour/Co-operative 8, Conservative 5, DUP 5, UUP 5, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.