Clause 4 - Advertising: exclusions
Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill [Lords]
4:45 pm
Ms Yvette Cooper (Parliamentary Secretary (Public Health), Department of Health; Pontefract and Castleford, Labour)
I should hate the hon. Gentleman to draw that impression from my remarks. I pointed out that I was sure that if he as a lawyer, or any other lawyer, were to advise the tobacco industry, he would consider different ways in which to come up with challenges to the Bill. I certainly would expect nothing less from the tobacco industry. However, our legal advice is clear that our Bill is compliant with European law and human rights, is implementable and will ban tobacco advertising across the board.
It is right for us to introduce the Bill; it is a matter for the tobacco industry how it chooses to respond. The advertising ban is supported by a majority not only of Members of Parliament but of the public, as well as the overwhelming voice of the medical profession. Only the tobacco industry and Conservative Members continue to oppose the ban.