Written question asked by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 20 April 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 April 2006. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 May 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Smoking

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations her Department has carried out with (a) the theatre, (b) film and (c) television industry regarding possible exemptions to the ban on smoking in public places for the purposes of artistic productions; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: During last year's consultation on proposals for the Health Bill we received representations that particular theatrical performances and television/film recordings should be exempted from the smoke-free provisions of the Bill.We are minded to allow an exemption where smoking is an integral part of the storyline of a performance or recording.I wrote to the Theatrical Management Association and Equity along these lines on 18 April. A copy of these letters is available in the Library.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 65735; 445 c1707-8W;445 c1707-8W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP 06/915
Monday, 8 May 2006
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects: Public places Performing arts Smoking
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk