Call for a smoke free Scottish Parliament

The chairman of the BMA in Scotland has this week written to the Presiding Officer suggesting that the Scottish Parliament smoking room for staff and MSPs be closed and replaced with a drop in smoking cessation support centre for staff and MSPs who wish to give up the habit.

In his letter, Dr Peter Terry, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said:

"If Scotland's public places are to become smoke free in 2006, our parliamentarians and staff that are responsible for the day to day running of our Scottish Parliament should set a standard that the Scottish people can aspire to.

"Health professionals, while supporting a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places, also recognise that smoking is an addictive habit and that in order to break that habit, support is required. That is why we suggest that you convert the smoking room into a drop in smoking cessation support centre for those staff and MSPs who are attempting to quit, or even need support to get through the working day without a cigarette.

"We recognise that the remit of our legislation on smoking emphasises public place, and that effectively the smoking room is located within the private working area of the Scottish Parliament complex. However, I am sure you will recognise the potential health benefit to smokers and non smokers by creating a smoke free workplace for all those working in this landmark building."

http://www.bma.org.uk