18-7-02

Barrett seeks to protect workers from passive smoking

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today supported a parliamentary campaign to protect an estimated 3 million non-smokers who are exposed to passive smoke whilst at work.

Mr Barrett has backed a House of Commons motion, calling on the Government to implement a work code of practice, as recommended by the Health & Safety Commission.

Mr Barrett said:

"It is now widely accepted that passive smoking brings illness and discomfort to many people, causing 600 cases of lung cancer a year and thousands of cases of heart disease. 80% of asthma sufferers say passive smoke makes their symptoms worse.

"The Health & Safety Commission recommended back in September 2000 that a code of practice be implemented, to create smoke free working environments and reduce the number of people affected by second hand smoke. Yet, almost 2 years on, we have seen no action whatsoever by the Government.

"People should have the right to work in an environment with clean air. Yet this is something the Government are depriving them because of their inaction. Now is the time for the Government, specifically the Department for Trade & Industry, to accept the deadly nature of passive smoking and implement the code of practice."

Notes to Editors:

The EDM which Mr Barrett has signed is as follows

* EDM 1621 - Smoking in the Workplace

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.

ENDS