HC Deb 23 October 1984 vol 65 cc568-9W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek at the World Health Organisation to stem the advertising and promotion of cigarettes and tobacco products in developing countries.

Mr. John Patten

The major hazards to health of smoking are now generally known and acknowledged all over the world. We make our own experience and advice freely available to other countries on request and through such bodies as the World Health Organisation, which is already urging the Governments of developing countries to take urgent action to control smoking. Ultimately, however, it is for the Government of each country to decide on appropriate action to alert their citizens to the hazards of smoking and to introduce such restrictions on the advertising and promotion of cigarettes and tobacco products as they think fit.