THE Government's decision to delay the introduction of a blanket ban on tobacco advertising shows what happens when policies are enacted in haste on the basis of political correctness rather than common sense.

Politicians have no business prohibiting the promotion of a legal product, thereby denying consumers legitimate product information. Such censorship must also discourage manufacturers from developing new brands because the motivation to develop such products will be reduced if companies no longer have the ability to market them properly.

Filters and low-tar cigarettes are just two innovations that have appeared since the health risks of smoking tobacco were first publicised.

Ironically, given the prominent health warnings on all tobacco advertisements, a ban will reduce exposure to warnings in newspapers and magazines and on billboards. Research also confirms that bans do not reduce smoking, which flourished, for example, in the USSR before 1989, when advertising was completely absent.

Sadly, while the timetable has changed, the Government's determination to treat adults like children hasn't. Let's hope the delay prompts a re-think that will allow common sense to prevail.

SIMON CLARK, Director, Forest, Palace Street, London SW1.

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