§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will make it his policy to ban the advertising and promotion of tobacco and tobacco products.
§ Mr. DorrellThe evidence to suggest that such a ban would reduce the prevalence of smoking is equivocal. The United Kingdom has developed effective anti-smoking campaigns over the years, and smoking prevalence has been reduced from 45 per cent. in 1974 to 32 per cent. now. The Government are satisfied that the voluntary agreements which they have negotiated with the tobacco industry continue to be an effective way to control tobacco advertising and promotion. The new agreement that my 91W right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 9 September includes significantly tougher measures to control tobacco advertising and promotion.