HC Deb 11 March 1991 vol 187 cc335-6W
Mr. Amos

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Independent Television Commission about the desirability of maintaining the practice of not televising tobacco-sponsored sporting events; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The Broadcasting Act 1990 requires the ITC to draw up and consult about a code on the sponsorship of programmes. My right hon. Friend was consulted about the present code, which lays down standards for any broadcast coverage of tobacco-sponsored events. Whether to cover such events remains a decision for the television companies.

Mr. Amos

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the British Broadcasting Corporation about the exposure of tobacco brand names and logos in television coverage of sponsored sporting events; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

None. The BBC is, however, aware of the special issues raised by tobacco company sponsorship which are fully reflected in its guidelines to programme makers. The BBC observes the terms of the voluntary agreement reached between the Minister for Sport and the Tobacco Advisory Council in 1987.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The information is set out in the table: