Supplementary memorandum by Gallaher Group
Plc (SP 15A)
During the hearing of evidence by the Health
Committee on Thursday 20 October, the Committee indicated that
it would be interested in being provided with more information
on certain points. As a result, I am writing this short note to
explain these in more detail, which I hope the Committee will
find helpful.
AIR QUALITY
STANDARD
As I outlined to the Committee, Gallaher believes
that any legislation should allow for separate ventilated smoking
rooms in public and work places. This would achieve the aim of
separating non-smokers from smokers and also create an environment
in which staff, in licensed premises for example, would have a
limited exposure to second-hand smoke.
In this context, Gallaher, and other principal
companies of the TMA are working with the Buildings Services Research
and Information Association (BSRIA) to undertake studies in an
environmental chamber to demonstrate, under laboratory conditions,
the effectiveness of fresh air ventilation at a variety of air
flow rates in reducing ETS contaminants (GO, PM2.5 and Volatile
Organic Compounds).
We will, of course be happy to share the results
with the Committee, when the tests are completed. Furthermore,
we are sure BSRIA would be happy to give a demonstration to the
Committee. We believe that the findings of this testing could
be used as the basis for measuring the efficiency of installed
ventilation systems and help establish an agreed Air Quality Standard.
EXEMPTION FOR
TOBACCO FACILITIES
Gallaher Group Plc is a major employer in Northern
Ireland and Cardiff, where we have manufacturing facilities that
produce cigarettes and cigars and other tobacco products, not
only for the UK, but for export globally.
Associated with our manufacturing operations
is a research and development facility employing circa 150 people
in the UK. In order to ensure compliance with UK, European Directives
and regulations and the legal requirements of non-member states,
we are required to undertake product and quality control testing.
We do this alongside our own internal policies and
procedures that are designed to ensure that our products not only
comply with mandatory legal requirements, but also are of the
quality that our consumers expect.
The work programme also involves panels of smokers
who volunteer to smoke products to test their quality and other
characteristics. This work is essential in circumstances where
mandatory requirements require changes in product specifications.
Again, this work and testing is undertaken in a controlled environment.
In response to the Government's Consultation
on the Smokefree Elements of the Health Improvement and Protection
Bill, Gallaher, through our trade association, the Tobacco Manufacturers'
Association, requested a particular exemption for the premises
of tobacco manufacturers and their technical suppliers, in clearly
designated areas where smoking is an essential part of operations,
such as testing. Without that exemption, the work will need to
be undertaken elsewhere within Europe, with the risk of job losses
in Cardiff and Northern Ireland.
As I stated to the Committee, Gallaher welcomes
these opportunities to have constructive dialogue, as we are of
the firm view that it is only through consultation and co-operation
with Governments and public health bodies that issues surrounding
smoking can be best addressed and that fair, reasonable and practical
solutions can be achieved.
If, during the further consideration of tobacco
related matters, any members of your Committee would like to visit
our factory in Northern Ireland and receive a detailed presentation
on our R&D facility, please let me know. Finally, please do
not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance to
you or any member of the Committee.
November 2005
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