HC Deb 14 February 1992 vol 203 cc684-5W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what response he intends to make to the decision of European Standing Committee B on 5 February and the observation of Heartbeat Wales on the desirability of banning tobacco advertisements.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

The Government continue to believe that the best way to control tobacco advertising is by means of a voluntary agreement. Since 1971, there has been a system of voluntary agreements with the tobacco industry which provides control over the advertising and promotion of cigarettes. A new, tougher voluntary agreement with the tobacco industry has recently come into force and strong new health warnings are now appearing on advertisements.

Data are emerging from those countries which have advertising laws and the Government are studying the figures with interest.