Clause 7 - Developments in technology
Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill [Lords]
11:45 am
Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne, Conservative)
I have no wish for a clause stand part debate, Mr. Winterton. I would rather stick to the issue that we are raising. If the Government are determined to approach the matter in this way, a period of four years would take us beyond the next general election, when we shall have got rid of this shower and will have a sensible Government in place, and will have no temptation to use the proposed powers.
Nevertheless, unless there is a period during which these draconian and dictatorial powers can be used, we might as well not consider the Bill, because whatever we put in it, everything can be changed the day after it comes into effect. What is the point of the Government putting on record safeguards, good intentions and reassurances when we are being asked subsequently to consider that the following day it can all change, because, or so is the excuse, of changes in technology? Such changes do not even have to be changes of which the Minister was unaware at the time. On the narrow point, if the clause stands, a proviso or safeguard should be provided, and I would support the amendment tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham.