HC Deb 17 December 1986 vol 107 cc1196-8
10. Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had with members of the tobacco industry regarding the sponsorship of sport; and if he will make a statement.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Richard Tracey)

I am now coming to the end of detailed negotiations leading to a new voluntary agreement. I hope to make a statement early in the new year.

Mr. Carlisle

Many people in the sports world will be somewhat disappointed that my hon. Friend has not reached a conclusion with the tobacco companies. At this late hour, will he remember that sport has benefited enormously from the tobacco industry? In further negotiations will he remember that that money will not be easily replaced? Will he give the House a categorical assurance this afternoon that the Government will not go down the road that the Labour party has followed and outlaw tobacco sponsorship in sport?

Mr. Tracey

As I made clear in the House on 21 February, I have always believed that a voluntary agreement is the right way. Indeed, a considerable contribution has been made to sport through sponsorship, although as a proportion of the whole of sport sponsorship the tobacco contribution is declining.

Mr. Freud

Will the Minister also remember that an increasing number of young children are now smoking and that it is absolutely essential to remove the glamour element of tobacco sponsorship in sport? Does he agree that while it is possible for children to ascribe their smoking habits to television sports programmes which are sponsored by tobacco companies, such sponsorship is not of service to the country?

Mr. Tracey

That is one of the points that we have considered carefully in our negotiations with the tobacco companies. The voluntary system was first adopted in 1972. Now 36 per cent. of men and 32 per cent. of women smoke, compared with 52 per cent. and 41 per cent. in 1972. That is an improvement and it is continuing.

Mr. Robert Atkins

Does my hon. Friend agree that cigarette companies in particular have done an amazing job in supporting the great game of cricket both here and in Australia? Does he further agree that this obsession with doing away with an organisation's support for great games, such as cricket, does those associated with the move no great credit? Does he agree that the sooner we lay off it and concentrate on the real issues the better it will be for all concerned?

Mr. Tracey

When we began the negotiations leading to the new voluntary agreement we began consultations with all interested parties. It is right to say that tobacco sponsorship has made a contribution to cricket, although that contribution is now declining, as it is in other sports.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

When will the Minister face up to the fact that, having banned direct tobacco advertising on television, to allow sponsorship of major contests, such as snooker championships, which many young people watch, is a direct incentive to youngsters to start smoking?

Mr. Tracey

As I said earlier, that is one of the points which we have taken into consideration during the negotiations, leading to a voluntary agreement.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

Does my hon. Friend accept that the very parties in this House which preach libertarianism stand against people doing what they want to do, for example smoking? Will he assure the House that until the Government or any other organisation can provide sport with the resources currently provided by tobacco companies, he will not take any penal action against the tobacco industry sponsoring what people want to do in sport?

Mr. Tracey

As I have said, and as I made clear as long ago as 21 February, the Conservative party believes that a voluntary agreement is the best way of dealing with sports sponsorship by tobacco companies. Tobacco sponsorship of sport now amounts to just short of £10 million, whereas the overall sponsorship of sports runs at £150 million a year.

Mr. Denis Howell

While welcoming the fact that the Minister is progressing with a voluntary agreement first started by a previous Labour Government, and declaring an interest in the Howell report on sports sponsorship conducted on behalf of the Central Council for Physical Recreation, may I ask what attention he is giving to sport, and what negotiations he is having with those involved as distinct from the tobacco industry?

Mr. Tracey

As I said, from the beginning we have invited consultation from sport and, of course, from the Tobacco Advisory Council as well as from others. I am perplexed by the right hon. Gentleman's attitude, because he seems to take a different view from that of the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson), the shadow spokesman for health, who said on 21 February: It is now and has been since 1982 the policy of the Labour party that we wish to stop the sponsorship of sport by tobacco companies."—[Official Report, 21 February 1986; Vol. 92, c. 638.]