HC Deb 14 December 1998 vol 322 cc350-1W
Mr. Hawkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had with sporting governing bodies about sponsorship. [62127]

Mr. Banks

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I held meetings last year with sports likely to be affected by the ban on tobacco sponsorship. Since then my officials have been in regular contact with them. We have been seeking detailed background information on the sports and current contracts with the tobacco companies, so the expert group I have set up can judge how best to help the sports attract alternative sponsors.