§ Mr. Geoffrey Johnson Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy in relation to the inclusion of advertising material in hospital broadcasts; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Government do not oppose the inclusion of advertising material in these broadcasts provided it is done with the agreement of the health authorities. The revenue raised should be used for such purposes as meeting running costs, improving the quality of broadcast material, or purchasing or maintaining transmitting and receiving equipment. The Department will shortly be sending health authorities a code of advertising standards for hospital broadcasting which among the other things will prohibit the advertising of medicines, alcohol and tobacco, and which will supplement the IBA code of advertising standards and practice.