HC Deb 03 July 1997 vol 297 c229W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make representations to the Independent Television Commission urging it to give prominence to public health considerations in its code of programme sponsorship. [5853]

Ms Jowell

The Independent Television Commission's code of programme sponsorship already takes account of health considerations and the Commission keep the code under regular review. For instance, companies are prohibited from sponsorship if their name is known to the public chiefly through their tobacco business, even if they also market other non-tobacco goods and services. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for National Heritage, whose Department has policy responsibility for broadcasting, has noted the hon. Member's suggestion on public health considerations for programme sponsorship.