HC Deb 26 July 1985 vol 83 c937W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to hold all future meetings with the tobacco industry on the voluntary code on advertising and promotion in public; if he has discussed such an arrangement with the industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

The practice is for the discussions leading to the voluntary agreements with the tobacco industry to he confidential.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the four-page advertising feature in the August edition of "Options" magazine, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Brent, South, which emphasises the logo and colours of a certain brand of cigarette, should have carried the Government health warning; if this constitutes a breach of the voluntary agreement; and if he will take action to prevent any recurrence of this form of sales promotion.

Mr. John Patten

The cigarette manufacturers concerned have apologised for the lapse that led to the publication of the advertising feature in question and other similar features, and have undertaken that no further advertisements of this nature will be published.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what sanctions are available to him against cigarette manufacturers who fail to follow the code of conduct on promotion and advertising.

Mr. John Patten

The agreement on tobacco advertising and promotion is voluntary. Where breaches have been established the cigarette companies have always taken corrective action.

Mr. Sims

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will have discussions with the tobacco company concerned, in the context of the voluntary agreement on cigarette advertising, about the showing at the Live Aid charity concert at Wembley stadium on 13 July of a cigarette promotion on video tape, details of which have been supplied to him; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

I shall write to my hon. Friend.