Letter: Tobacco advertising

Sir: The Government's realistic decision to look at Formula One motor racing and tobacco advertising in the global context has received unfair criticism.

If Formula One is pushed out of Europe to Asia we will see more tobacco advertising, not less, on our television screens.

The RAC has taken the lead in all but eliminating tobacco advertising from motorsport in the UK, including the RAC British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Over a decade ago, the RAC Motorsports Association, the governing body of motorsport in the UK, set up a voluntary agreement together with the broadcasters and tobacco industry to eliminate tobacco advertising. This voluntary agreement has worked well and should be the model for a global agreement.

The Government's action will have the effect of reducing the amount of tobacco advertising on our screens and the added bonus of safeguarding 55,000 jobs in the motorsport industry in this country.

This is an international not a national problem and the Government has recognised this.

Sir JOHN ROGERS

Executive Chairman

RAC Motorsports Association

London SW1