HC Deb 11 November 1980 vol 992 cc183-4
15. Mr. Pavittt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the present state of negotiations he has been having with the tobacco industry on the sales promotion of cigarettes: and if he will publish in the Official Report the dates upon which meetings have been held and the names of the negotiators, together with the company they represent.

Sir George Young

The negotiations are continuing, and, as my right hon. Friend has said in the House on several occasions, he will make a statement when they are concluded. Both sides agreed that the details of the negotiations should remain confidential.

Mr. Pavitt

Is the Minister aware that it seems that the industry is running rings round the Department in the negotiations? It seems that no one in the Department is prepared to stand up to the vested interests of the tobacco barons. Will he take the opportunity of having legislation proposed in the Gracious Speech that would expedite the negotiations?

Sir G. Young

Nothing could be further from the truth. We have said that we shall proceed by voluntary agreement for as long as it is possible to do so. If that is not possible, we shall, as my right hon. Friend has said, consider other measures.

Mr. Michael Morris

Have not the negotiations been continuing long enough? Is it not about time that the Department differentiated between health needs, to which the hon. Member for Brent, South (Mr. Pavitt) alluded, and interfering with the general marketing function of any consumer goods manufacturer?

Sir G. Young

As my hon. Friend knows, there are already considerable constraints on the marketing of tobacco. For example, it is illegal to advertise cigarettes on television. I share his wish to achieve, if possible, an agreement by consent.

Mr. Orme

Will the Minister give us a date when the Government will make a statement? The negotiations have been continuing for 18 months. The House is entitled to have a definite date and to hear the Government's proposals.

Sir G. Young

The negotiations have been continuing for about 11 months and not 18 months. I agree that at some stage the negotiations will have to stop. I do not find it helpful to announce in advance the date on which the Government will make a statement.