§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what support her Department offers to British cigarette manufacturers seeking to develop markets in the developing world. [138620]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienUK Trade and Investment, in principle, provides services to all UK companies selling legal products, through the provision of trade, investment and political information on overseas markets, taking into account local circumstances. Special guidelines apply however for the tobacco industry, where Diplomatic Posts must not be associated with the promotion of tobacco products for example by accepting sponsorship for activities, or advertisements in publications, or attending events designed overtly to promote them.