Vol. 445 No. 7
243 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health, in view of the reconstitution of the consultative committee established to examine the possibility of extending tobacco smoke controls to the workplace, his views on the need, if any, for more stringent measures; and when such measures will be implemented. [1120/94]
Last year I reconstituted the consultative committee on smoking in the workplace and I asked them to review the implementation of the voluntary code of practice and to make recommendations on further measures, if any, in relation to smoking controls in the workplace. The consensus view of the committee was that the voluntary code should be reviewed, improved and strengthened. This has now been done and a new booklet entitled "Working together for cleaner air" is currently being distributed to workplaces throughout the country. I have asked my Department to review the extent of the implementation and effectiveness of the new code over the next two years. In the event that sufficient progress has not been made the need for legislation will have to be considered at that stage.
