§ Mr. Nealeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of negotiations with the tobacco industry on a voluntary agreement concerning sponsorship of sport by that industry.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneOfficials of my Department and of the Department of Health and Social Services have met the tobacco industry on a number of occasions over past months to discuss such a new agreement. A great deal of progress has been made.
A further meeting planned for yesterday, 28 January, was postponed by mutual agreement because of travel difficulties due to the rail dispute. This meeting is being rearranged for early February. I hope shortly to be in a position to make a further announcement.