§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is their view that smoking by fictional characters in popular television soap operas such as Coronation Street and EastEnders is likely to cause young people to smoke. [HL3267]
§ Baroness HaymanThe Government believe that viewers, especially children, should be protected from broadcast material portraying smoking as a glamorous or attractive activity. The regulatory codes therefore give guidance about the depiction of smoking and drinking in programmes. Programmes should not include smoking or drinking unless the context or dramatic veracity require it. Particular care is needed with programmes likely to be seen by children.