To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate she has made of the impact on employment of the removal of tobacco sponsorship from (a) darts and (b) snooker. [16938]

[holding answer 20 November 1997]: We have always made it clear that we are pursuing twin objectives of reducing smoking and of safeguarding sport from any effects arising from the loss of tobacco sponsorship. We are therefore looking very carefully at how best to achieve an end to the advertising and promotion of tobacco at sports events in a way which will minimise any damage to the sports concerned. Discussions are under way within Government on how best to achieve this. Plans for the removal of tobacco sponsorship include a transitional period to allow darts and snooker to find alternative sponsors. The Government will publish a White Paper next year setting out measures to tackle tobacco consumption.