§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek powers to impose a ban on all tobacco promotion, except at the point of sale.
§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. and hon. Friends and I are examining all the options open to us before deciding upon any further measures we might wish to take to reduce the toll of premature death and illness associated with smoking.
The advertising of cigarettes or cigarette tobacco on independent television or local radio is banned by a direction under the Independent Broadcasting Act 1973; and the voluntary agreements, which the previous Administration made with the tobacco industry, have achieved some restraint on the promotion of tobacco. We are, nevertheless, determined to make further progress in this area; but, in view of the discussions I am having with the 361W industry on what should follow the agreement to which I have referred, it would be premature for me to say more at the present time.