§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the outcome has been of the Government Task Force set up to help sports find alternative sources of revenue to replace tobacco sponsorship, with particular reference to darts; and if she will make a statement. [40481]
§ Mr. CabornThe Tobacco Task Force last met in October 1999. Following that meeting it was agreed that the task force had completed its initial work of identifying the needs of sports affected by the ban on tobacco sponsorship. Those sports included in the task force confirmed that it was too soon to be looking to replace existing contracts, and that the situation should be reviewed before the expiry of current contracts. We have been in contact with the member sports since 1999 and will consider the case for reconvening the task force if requested to.
I have recently been contacted by the British Darts Association. I have confirmed that I am happy to assist the association in discussions with alternative sponsors as and when interested companies are identified.