HC Deb 29 July 1976 vol 916 cc411-2W
Sir George Young

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that the voluntary code of cigarette advertising practice is working effectively; and whether he will take any further action.

Dr. Owen

I am not satisfied that the code is at present working effectively but, as I explained on 16th January—[Vol 903, c. 813–4]—the Government have decided to await a full year's experience of its use; in the meantime apparent breaches of the code are brought to the notice of the Advertising Standards Authority.

Sir George Young

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what action he will take to prevent the association following: (c) males, (d) females and (e) males and females.

Mr. Deakins

The figures are as follows. Because of the different mortality experience of males and females over the whole age range, life tables are not constructed for the two sexes combined.

between sporting events and smoking certain cigarette brands, as exemplified in the advertisements appearing in the national Press during the period of Wimbledon and the Olympic Games;

(2) whether he is satisfied that the advertisements on page 6 of theDaily Express on 30th June and page 6 of theEvening News on 19th July comply with the voluntary code of cigarette advertising practice.

Dr. Owen

My Department has already approached the Advertising Standards Authority and has asked it to look again at the question of whether the type of advertising to which the hon. Member refers should be permitted under its new code. The Department is awaiting a reply and I will write to the hon. Member when it is received.

Forward to