HC Deb 03 July 1967 vol 749 cc1259-60
50. Dr. John Dunwoody

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made towards reaching agreement with cigarette manufacturers regarding the control of advertising and promotional schemes including cigarette coupons.

12. Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Health what further action will now be taken to curb cigarette advertising, in view of the dangers to health of cigarette smoking including risks of lung cancer, bronchitis, heart disease and eye damage, and in view of the increase in cigarette advertising.

Mr. K. Robinson

No progress has so far been made towards an agreement, but I cannot at present add to the Answer given on 19th June to my hon. Friends the Members for Falmouth and Camborne (Dr. John Dunwoody) and Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun).—[Vol. 748, c. 1122–3.]

Dr. John Dunwoody

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that if a voluntary agreement is not reached Government action will become necessary, and would he be prepared to set a time limit to these negotiations?

Mr. Robinson

I learned this morning that leaders of the industry have asked me if they could come to see me very shortly, and though I have no reason to believe they have come to any agreement yet among themselves, I think I would be well advised to say nothing further to the House till after I have seen them.