§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what discussions his Department has had with other Departments on the proposed ban on tobacco companies' sponsorship of sport; [4131]
(2) what consultations he has had with sports organisations and participants who may be adversely affected by a ban on tobacco sponsorship. [4134]
§ Mr. BanksWe are looking very carefully at how best to achieve an end to the advertising and promotion of tobacco at sports events in a way which will minimise any damage to the sports concerned. Discussions are underway within Government on how best to achieve this and I will be consulting the sports concerned shortly. The Government will publish a White Paper later this year setting out their plans for this and other measures to tackle tobacco consumption. Any legislation will include a transitional period.
§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made of(a) the number of people employed in sports which receive sponsorship from tobacco companies and (b) the likely consequences on employment of a ban on sponsorship by tobacco companies. [4132]
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§ Mr. BanksI have made no assessment of the number of people employed in sports which receive sponsorship from tobacco companies. We intend to minimise any damage to sports. Discussions are underway within Government on how best to achieve this, and we will be consulting the sports concerned shortly. The Government will publish a White Paper later this year. Any legislation will include a transitional period.