HC Deb 12 July 2000 vol 353 cc543-4W
Mr. Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) when he last met the Task Force on Tobacco Sponsorship; and what was discussed; [129534]

(2) what alternative sources of sport sponsorship have been identified by the Tobacco Sponsorship Task Force; [129536]

(3) which sports have benefited from alternative sources of sports sponsorship identified by the Tobacco Sponsorship Task Force. [129538]

Kate Hoey

[holding answer 10 July 2000]: The Government have looked very carefully at how best to achieve an end to the advertising and promotion of tobacco at sports events in a way that will minimise any damage to the sports concerned. A Task Force of business and sponsorship, which I chair, exists to assist sports. All sports will be given up to July 2003 to secure alternative sponsorship, and the Government supported a derogation in EC legislation that those meeting the criteria for 'global events' will be allowed up to July 2006 if they agree to a reduction in expenditure and advertising.

Seven sports have sought assistance to make the transition from tobacco sponsorship—rugby league, clay pigeon shooting, billiards and snooker, pool, darts, ice-hockey and angling. Over the last 18 months there has been extensive contact with the seven sports and the Task Force has been there to: make information available; offer advice to support the development of new marketing strategies; to make initial contacts with potential sponsors; and offer professional advice on how the sports can start to position themselves in a changing marketplace. The Task Force last met together on 18 October 1999. Since then, there have been further meetings between members of the Task Force and the governing bodies.

The Task Force has now concluded the first phase of its work to identify the needs of the sports and ascertain how it can best assist them. Most sports have confirmed that it is too soon to be looking to replace existing contracts, and have indicated that the help of the Task Force can most effectively be targeted in the 12–18 months before these contracts lapse, which is the normal lead time for negotiating new sponsorships. It has been agreed with the sports therefore that there is no need for the Task Force to continue to meet on a regular basis. The Task Force has made it clear to all the sports that its assistance is still available in its second phase, as and when they require it.

I have had recent discussions with the British Darts Organisation and the Ice Hockey Superleague, who have both indicated that they wish to continue to utilise the expertise of the Task Force. The National Federation of Anglers have taken up an offer made by the Chairman of the Virgin Group to use the Internet to assist with its marketing and promotion.

Snooker, rugby league, clay pigeon shooting and pool have indicated that at this stage they do not require the assistance of the Task Force, preferring to wait until the lead in time before their tobacco contracts need to be renewed to see how the Task Force can best assist them.

All the sports are aware that the Task Force is available to assist them at any time if they feel they need its help.