Tobacco (Hansard, 13 January 1992)

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his policy on the European Commission's proposal for a total ban on tobacco advertising in the European Community.

§ Mr. Dorrell
The Government consider the proposed EC directive on tobacco advertising is unnecessary for completion of the single market. It believes the present voluntary agreements with the tobacco industry on advertising and promotion provide an effective system of controls. There are other tobacco related issues in the Community which deserve a higher priority than advertising, in particular the need to cut back support progressively for tobacco growing under the common agricultural policy.

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Health when children's playgrounds will be included in voluntary agreements on tobacco advertising.

§ Mr. Dorrell
Children's playgrounds were included in the provisions of the voluntary agreement on tobacco advertising and promotion published on 9 September 1991, a copy of which is available in the Library.

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the Government's assessment of the effects of the banning of tobacco advertising in Canada.

§ Mr. Dorrell
The effects of the ban are not clear. Steep rises in the real prices of cigarettes in Canada account for most of the decrease in consumption.

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has consulted with the Government of the Netherlands on the report issued regarding their voluntary agreements on the advertising of tobacco.

§ Mr. Dorrell
No. We have not yet seen a copy of this report.