HC Deb 14 April 1976 vol 909 cc560-2W
Mr. Macfarlane

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the financial contribution by tobacco companies to sports sponsorship each year since 1970.

Mr. Denis Howell

The industry has not hitherto revealed information of this kind, but I expect that it will become available during the course of negotiations for a voluntary code of practice and agreement to restrict the growth of expenditure on sports sponsorship by the tobacco industry.

Mr. Macfarlane

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards the promotion or support by the Sports Council of events that are sponsored by tobacco firms.

Mr. Denis Howell

It is for individual governing bodies of sport to decide whether or not to accept sponsorship from tobacco firms, and my right hon. Friend has given no guidance to the Sports Council on the matter.

Mr. Macfarlane

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy regarding grant aid and assistance from the Sports Council to sports associations holding events which include competitors from, and sending competitors to: (a) Rhodesia, (b) South Africa and (c) Taiwan/Formosa.

Mr. Denis Howell

I have told the Sports Council that the Government cannot condone any sporting contact with Rhodesia, as that country is governed by an illegal regime in rebelliion against the Crown. On my advice the Council does not at present offer assistance to any sporting association towards the cost of holding an event in which South African teams are expected to compete, or of sending a team to compete in events held in that country.

I have given no guidance to the Sports Council on grant-aid or assistance for events involving competitors from Taiwan or sporting visits to Taiwan. However, in general, Her Majesty's Government do not welcome visits from sporting teams from Taiwan.

Mr. Macfarlane

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many times the Sports Council have refused grants to sports associations holding events with South African participants.

Mr. Denis Howell

I am informed that on four occasions it has been necessary for the Sports Council to inform governing bodies of the Government's policy on sporting contacts with South Africa, and to make it clear that no grant-aid would be provided if South African teams were to participate in the events concerned.