Clause 7 - Developments in technology
Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill
12:00 pm
Mr Kevin Barron (Rother Valley, Labour)
I find it difficult to understand the Opposition's logic. Clearly, the clause is not operable now because we do not know of any potential changes in technology. One or two members of the Committee have suggested that we should include such catch-all provisions, not because of new technology but because some of us—including me—find the technology of the present difficult to grasp.
The hon. Member for South Dorset mentioned human rights, which operate in respect of any legislation and have no specific relevance to the clause. We will have to consider whether someone could breach the Official Secrets Act 1989 by using the internet and using that as a defence in a court of law. However, that does not mean that we should not introduce a clause such as this one, in an attempt to second-guess new developments in technology that could be used to promote tobacco, which damages the health of the public. It is logical to introduce such a clause; the Government are not attempting to get round Parliament. Perhaps my hon. Friend the Minister could address the matter, but as I understand it, any regulation would have to be debated in Parliament. The clause means that we will not block up parliamentary time bringing statute in on the Floor of the House, and will allow us to deal with the matter through simple regulations.