§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will meet representatives of the Independent Television Commission to discuss the implications of the recent High Court ruling on the impact of advertising by McDonald's on children. [5852]
§ Mr. FisherThe Commission maintains and enforces a code of advertising standards and practice for broadcasters, which includes detailed guidance on advertising and children, and which is from time to time reviewed to ensure it reflects current best practice. I understand that the Commission has no plans to revise the code in light of the judgment referred to, though it would naturally consider carefully any complaints made to it concerning particular advertisements and their potential impact on children. The Government recognise their special responsibility to protect children from exploitation, but the existing Code allows the ITC scope to act in their defence.