Smoking in Govt offices

Press, 28 December 1987, Page 12

Smoking in Govt offices

If the Government is so concerned about the smoking of tobacco products, why does it not ban smoking in all Government offices and facilities, such as prisons? This question is posed by David Cox in a letter to the Editor. He writes: "The Government’s strong moves to draw attention to the alleged harm of smoking tobacco products gathers momentum with the upcoming requirement for bigger and stronger health warnings on packets. “If it is so concerned, why does it not give a lead by banning smoking in all Government offices and other facilities (e.g. prisons)? “I understand the prison is below the current public wholesale price. Is this so? If so why? Is the taxpayer making up the difference between the sales price and the price of buying in the products?" The Associate Minister of Justice, Mr Woollaston, replies: "The Government accepts that smoking poses severe health

risks, not only for the smoker, but also for those who must share the same work environment. The State Services Commission, which has responsibility for this matter, is committed to encouraging a non-smoking environment as the norm in New Zealand Public Service accommodation. "Authority has been delegated by the commission to the various departments to implement nonsmoking policies appropriate to their own particular needs. There is considerable variation in the response of the departments. The Department of Health has become smoke-free as of November 2. In other departments smoke-free areas have been declared. "It must be appreciated, however, that the issue of developing a non-smoking environment is a controversial one. Policies to restrict or prohibit smoking must receive the approval of the majority of those affected by such a restriction and there must be a transitional period to allow staff to adjust to any changes.

"The question of smoking in prisons is somewhat different. Prisoners already suffer the deprivation of many important freedoms, most obviously their personal liberty. It would seem unfair to arbitrarily take away their right to make a decision about whether they should smoke or not. “Tobacco products can be purchased by prisoners in two ways. One is through making purchases at the prison canteen out of that proportion of their prison earnings set aside for canteen purchases. The price of goods bought at the prison canteen, including tobacco products, is kept below the normal retail price because prisoners’ daily earnings are so low (between 12c and 72c a day). “Prisoners who have money other than their prison earnings can purchase tobacco products from outside the prison through the prison officer delegated with the responsibility of buying such goods on their behalf. Such purchases are paid for at the normal retail price.”