HC Deb 20 July 1979 vol 970 cc885-6W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ask officials in his Department to make a study of the evidence which has lead his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland to ban all advertising of cigarettes and tobacco products; and if he will issue a statement of his conclusions on the applicability of a similar ban to the United Kingdom when such a study has been concluded.

Sir George Young

The Department is at present studying all the available evidence about the effects of cigarette advertising and this includes the experience of a number of European countries which have introduced legislation on the matter.

When the Government have decided what measures they should adopt with regard to the advertising of tobacco products in the United Kingdom my right hon. Friend will, at the appropriate time, indicate the significant considerations which led to those decisions.

Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now make a statement on whether he intends to renew the ban on tobacco product advertising on television when the present three-year agreement comes to an end in March 1980; and whether he will consider extending the ban on such advertising to media other than broadcasting.

Sir George Young

The advertising of cigarettes or cigarette tobacco on independent television and local radio is banned by a direction made under the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act 1973 and is not a matter covered by the voluntary agreements with the Government.

As regards extending restrictions to other media, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Eastham) on 9 July.

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