XN000022-1995-05-03 — Page 64

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Government clinics to be designated no smoking areas

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Lam Kui-chun and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Since smoking in government clinics is not a statutory offence, the Director of Health may only carry out the anti-smoking policy through the co-operation of the smokers to observe the instructions given by the staff in such clinics. In this regard, will the Administration inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

whether consideration will be given making smoking in government clinics a statutory offence as in other public places such as MTR compartments and cinemas, and

what measures the Administration will put in place to effectively prohibit smoking in government clinics if the status quo is maintained?

Reply:

An amendment to the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance is proposed which will empower heads of government departments and non-government organisations to designate any part(s) of the premises under their control as no smoking areas. Offenders will be liable to prosecution and a maximum penalty of a fine at $5,000 (Level 2).

It is expected that this amendment will be introduced into the Legislative Council on 10 May 1995. Subject to the amendment being passed, the Director of Health intends to designate the public areas of government clinics as no smoking areas. Meanwhile, clinics have been administratively designated as no smoking areas. Although clinic staff cannot take legal action against people who smoke there, they can and do ask offenders to stop.

End/Wednesday, May 3, 1995