Written question asked by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Friday, 12 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 October 2003. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Monday, 6 October 2003 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to recommend a ban on smoking in (a) domestic television programmes and (b) films classified as 15 or under.

Answer: Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to recommend a ban on smoking in (a) domestic television programmes and (b) films classified as 15 or under. [130173] Estelle Morris: I have been asked to reply. The Government have no plans to ban the depiction of smoking in domestic television programmes or films classified as 15 or under. Tobacco products may not be actively promoted by way of sponsorship or product placement in either medium. Beyond that, the depiction of smoking in television programmes is already discouraged and otherwise responsibly regulated by the broadcasting regulatory authorities. Film classification is the responsibility of the British Board of Film Classification whose research into public views on classification has not indicated that the portrayal of smoking is a concern.

Secondary information