Clause 10 - Prohibition of sponsorship
Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill [Lords]
6:15 pm
Dr Evan Harris (Oxford West and Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)
I was present for the entire discussion on the amendments, because they interested me. The Minister has made it clear that it is her view that the Bill already stops tobacco company sponsorship of political parties for the purpose, through policy changes—that is, indirectly—of promoting a tobacco product. That is why I do not believe that the amendments are strictly necessary. However, the hon. Gentleman was right to probe the matter to flush out the fact that the Labour party, too, runs the risk of being seen to be too close to the industry at a time when it purports to be introducing a ban.