Tobacco Task Force

HL Deb 27 October 2003 vol 654 cc20-1WA

Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What level of sponsorship funding has been secured through the Tobacco Task Force to replace the funding of World Snooker and other sports' governing bodies following their meeting with the Prime Minister in 1997. [HL4858]

Lord Mclntosh of Haringey

None. The Tobacco Task Force was established in 1997 to advise and support governing bodies affected by the ban on tobacco sponsorship. It was never intended that the task force should become involved in commercial contractual negotiations between sport and possible sponsors. The task force last met in October 1999. My right honourable friend the Minister for Sport wrote to its members in May 2002 to suggest that it be reconvened. He stands ready to offer advice and support to affected sports.