HC Deb 21 July 1964 vol 699 cc270-1
Q5. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Prime Minister what study Her Majesty's Government have made of the Statement of Policy Recommendations for Advertising which he has received from the Advertising Inquiry Council; and if he will make a statement.

Q6. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Prime Minister what study Her Majesty's Government have made of the Statement of Policy Recommendations for Advertising, copies of which have been sent to him by the Advertising Inquiry Council; and what consultations have taken place with outside bodies on this subject.

The Prime Minister

The memorandum by the Advertising Inquiry Council is being studied by the Government. It was only recently received and will need careful consideration.

Mr. Pavitt

Is the Prime Minister aware that the British Medical Association, which is not an irresponsible body, particularly on medical matters, made a submission to the Independent Television Authority at the beginning of June urging the implementation of Recommendation No. 4 contained in this Report; namely, to ban the advertising of cigarettes on television in view of the high incidence of lung cancer? In the light of this Report and of the B.M.A.'s submission, will the right hon. Gentleman now take the initiative in calling together his right hon. Friend the Minister of Health with Sir George Godber, Chief Medical Officer at his Ministry, together with the Postmaster-General and with Lord Hill, chairman of the I.T.A., to see if this matter can be pursued further and some definite action achieved?

The Prime Minister

I have said that we will take into account all the recommendations in this document, which contains a good many proposals which deserve careful study.

Mr. Noel-Baker

While thanking the Prime Minister very much for his original reply and that comment, will he refer to the Consumer Council, the Monopolies Commission, the Press Council and the I.T.A. the particular recommendations which affect them and get their views on them?

The Prime Minister

The two supplementary questions which have been asked on this Question illustrate the need for study of this document.

Mr. Woodburn

Would the Prime Minister not agree that the best advertisement and declaration on this subject would be to invite all doctors, teachers and Ministers of the Crown to set an example by stopping smoking?