§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether cigarette advertisements which contain only the warning that smoking when pregnant can injure the baby and cause premature birth, and not a more general health warning linking smoking to lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses, are treated as being in breach of the current code of practices in relation to cigarette advertising; whether he has any plans to strengthen the current arrangements; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe warning "Smoking when pregnant can injure your baby and cause premature birth" is one of the six agreed warnings included in the voluntary agreement with the tobacco industry on tobacco products' advertising and promotion, and health warnings. This warning contains important information and we have no plans to discontinue its use. It is used in rotation with five other warnings which highlight the other health risks associated with cigarette smoking. On the question of re-negotiating the current voluntary agreements with the industry, officials have had some preliminary discussions with the Tobacco Advisory Council, and we are considering the way forward.