§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the Government's policy is on the European Commission's draft proposals relating to tobacco sponsorship of Formula 1 motor racing. [20166]
§ Jacqui SmithThe current text of the European Commission's proposals for a directive on tobacco advertising and sponsorship includes a provision prohibiting the sponsorship of events taking place in 139W several member states or having similar cross-border effects if such sponsorship is with the aim of promoting a tobacco product.
The current text provides for implementation up to two years after a directive is adopted. The date for adoption is at present uncertain.
In 1998 we agreed with our European partners that global sporting events should have until 1 October 2006 to phase out tobacco sponsorship, provided first that they do not sign new contracts with tobacco companies and secondly that they phase out the current sponsorship that they receive. This remains our view.