Written question asked by Baroness Walmsley (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Davies of Oldham (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 February 2010.

Children: Advertising

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government (a) what research and analysis they have conducted, and (b) what research and analysis by other organisations they are aware of, in regard to the effects on children of television product placement of (1) gambling products, (2) alcohol, (3) tobacco, and (4) foods high in fat, salt or sugar.

Answer: The Government have not conducted any research or analysis into the effects of television product placement on children. So far as the Government are aware, such independent research as there is on the effects of product placement contains little information about its potential impact on children. UK television broadcasters are not currently allowed to include product placement in programmes they have made or had had made for them. This has been the position since commercial television began in the UK in the mid-1950s. In 2008, the Government commissioned Professor David Buckingham to lead an assessment of the impact of the commercial world on children's well-being. That assessment—the report of which was published in December 2009—found that there is little conclusive evidence one way or the other about the impact of commercial messages on children.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1766; 717 c105-6WA
Session: 2009-10
Subjects: Children Alcoholic drinks Advertising Gambling Food Research Television Tobacco
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk