The British Government is facing more questions about its decision to exempt Formula One motor racing from the ban on tobacco sponsorship.

Some opposition Conservatives are demanding to know who in Formula One has donated money to the Labour Party.

Labour say it is no secret that Max Mosley, the head of the sport's governing body, the International Automobile Federation, is a long-standing contributor.

Mr Mosley and the head of the Formula One Constructors Association, Bernie Ecclestone, were among a delegation who recently visited the Prime Minister to point out how many British jobs would be lost in the sport if the sponsorship ban went ahead.

They say all donations to the party over five-thousand pounds are only revealed when the annual accounts are published and there are strict rules about commenting on individuals.

A Labour spokesman suggested this was simply mischief-making by the Tories, who were trying to stoke up a story that was not there.

Labour sources say they cannot divulge whether or not Mr Ecclestone has taken to supporting them.

The Health Minister, Tessa Jowell, has fiercely denied that she was influenced by family links to lift the sponsorship ban on Formula One.

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