HC Deb 14 June 1978 vol 951 c575W
Sir George Young

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1), in view of the resolution of the World Health Organisation, sponsored by his Government, urging Governments to put more emphasis on the dangers of smoking for the young, if he will now take steps to curb the State Express 555 scheme, which associates cigarettes with sporting events;

(2) in view of the resolution of the World Health Organisation, sponsored by the United Kingdom Government, urging Governments to put more emphasis on the dangers of smoking for the young, if he will now consider methods of curbing sponsorship in sport.

Mr. Denis Howell

I negotiated last year with the Tobacco Advisory Committee and with the support and advice of my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Security an agreement with the United Kingdom tobacco industry which will limit the growth of sports sponsorship by tobacco companies. I have made it clear to the company concerned that the State Express scheme must comply with its terms.

This agreement and the accompanying code of practice on tobacco sponsorship lasts for three years from December 1977. I have no statutory powers which I can impose upon tobacco companies, but I am satisfied that there is every intention on their part to comply with the agreement.

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