§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement on the proposal of the Health Education Council expressed in the past week that greater Government control is necessary concerning promotional expenditure for increasing the sale of tobacco and alcohol; and whether he will take steps to implement their recommendations.
§ Mr. MoyleI have noted the recent resolution of the Health Education Council. The Government's views on cigarette advertising by tobacco manufacturers are set out in the White Paper on Prevention and Health (Cmnd 7047). The White Paper states, paragraph 70, the Government's belief that they should keep an open mind on the question of a total ban on cigarette advertising. However, as part of the preparation necessary before the present voluntary agreements with the industry expire in 1980 officials are seeking ways of obtaining the further evidence necessary before the Government can reach conclusions.
The recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Alcoholism in its report on prevention that the advertising of alcohol should be modified to produce a less one-sided picture has been drawn to the attention of the broadcasting authorities and the Advertising Standards Authority. Advertising will also be considered in the Health Department's proposed consultative document on the misuse of alcohol, which will outline possible preventive measures for public discussion.