§ 30. Ms DrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with broadcasters on reducing the depiction of smoking on television; and if he will make a statement. [85028]
§ Ms JowellWe plan to discuss this with the broadcasters or regulators as part of a developing campaign. The regulatory codes give guidance about the 273W depiction of smoking and drinking in programmes. They should not include smoking or drinking unless the context or dramatic veracity require it. Particular care is needed with programmes likely to be seen by children, and smoking should not be shown as an attractive or normal activity in pre-watershed programmes. Tobacco advertising is banned from television.