§ 8. Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress he has made in negotiations with the tobacco industry over a voluntary agreement on the advertising and promotion of tobacco products; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyDiscussions are continuing. My hon. Friend will, of course, understand that I cannot give details at present, but I shall inform the House of their outcome as soon as I can.
§ Mr. SimsI appreciate my hon. Friend's position. In negotiating the agreement, will he take into account recent figures suggesting that, by the age of 16, nearly 40 per cent. of children smoke? Therefore, will he pay special attention to curbing the advertising and promotion of cigarettes that are likely to appeal to children?
§ Mr. WhitneyWe are considering all aspects of the agreement during the current negotiations. As my hon. Friend rightly says, there is special concern about the incidence of smoking among young people, and that is a subject on which we shall concentrate.
§ Mr. PavittWill the Minister examine the file which shows instances of the breaking of the voluntary agreement by tobacco companies during the past three years? Will he try to include sanctions in the agreement so that the Government can impose a penalty on those who break the voluntary agreement, instead of allowing them to get away scot-free as they do at present?
§ Mr. WhitneyI cannot discuss the details of the negotiations on the agreement, but I assure hon. Members that all aspects of the agreement are being considered.