HL Deb 20 July 2000 vol 615 cc114-5WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to broadcasting organisations about the amount of smoking in all forms of drama. [HL3270]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

During the last year officials from the Department of Health and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport met the BBC and the Independent Television Commission (ITC) to discuss smoking in television drama. They were reassured that the broadcasters and regulators recognised their responsibility towards viewers, especially young viewers, and reflected concern about smoking in the guidelines they have developed for programme-makers.