Written question asked by John Home Robertson (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 January 1997. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Tuesday, 28 January 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: If he will make it his policy to discourage cigarette smoking among service personnel.

Answer: Mr. Home Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to discourage cigarette smoking among service personnel. [12410] Mr. Soames: The Ministry of Defence does not encourage smoking within the armed forces; indeed the aim is to create a non-smoking working environment, insofar as this reflects the wished of staff. The dangers of smoking are emphasised in the services through lectures to recruits and trainee officers, and unit medical officers health education sessions. It is now a matter of policy for all medical officers to promote anti-smoking health advice, particularly at medical examination for new recruits and on an opportunistic basis for existing personnel. In addition, personnel have access to both service generated literature and Health Education Authority booklets on physical fitness in which the adverse effects of smoking are highlighted.

Secondary information