MPs show support for Bill seeking restrictions

(First Edition)

MORE THAN 200 MPs of all parties, smokers and non-smokers, yesterday voted for a Private Member's Bill to ban tobacco advertising, writes Stephen Goodwin.

Introduced by Hugh Bayley, Labour MP for York, the Bill has little chance of becoming law in a parliamentary timetable controlled by the Government, but adds to the pressure for a ban.

'Tobacco is a completely unique product. It is the only product which when used in moderation and as the manufacturer intends, kills people,' he said.

Each year 111,000 people die from smoking 26,000 from lung cancer and the rest from other diseases caused by the tobacco. Mr Bayley said advertising was targeted at teenagers and children to help fill the gap in the ranks of smokers. His Bill would make it illegal to advertise or promote tobacco and products containing tobacco other than at the point of sale. Its introduction was approved by 206 votes to 61.

Virginia Bottomley, Secretary of State for Health, has strongly defended the tobacco companies freedom to advertise despite setting a target in the Health of the Nation White Paper of reducing smoking by 40 per cent by 2000. The Commons Select Committee on Health last week called for a ban on tobacco advertising.

Among supporters of Mr Bayley's Bill is the former Olympic runner Sebastian Coe, Conservative MP for Falmouth and Camborne. But Tim Rathbone, Conservative MP for Lewes, said that it was a 'self-deception' to suggest an advertising ban would achieve Mr Bayley's aims. Research showed price was a bigger deterrent to smoking.