Formula One chiefs are studying evidence from the UK Government aimed at persuading them to ban tobacco sponsorship in their sport.

BBC Political Correspondent, Nick Jones reports on the study(1' 04")

The Department of Health has sent a package of evidence to motor racing's governing body, the FIA, indicating a link between advertising and smoking.

The move follows the offer the FIA President, Max Mosely, to bring in a ban if a link could be proved.

Bernie Ecclestone's £1m donation embarrassed the govenment

A voluntary ban on the £200 million sponsorship and advertising on Formula One cars could be in place by 2002 - well ahead of the October 2006 deadline set by the EU for a halt to tobacco sponsorship.

Health officials have compiled a dossier reviewing research from around the world into tobacco advertising and smoking.

It includes a report compiled by Professor Clive Smee, Chief Economic Adviser to the Department of Health, in 1992, which said advertising bans in other countries were followed by a fall in smoking which could not reasonably be attributed to other factors.

The report says cutting advertising cuts smoking

The package also includes a response from the Royal Society - not previously seen - which said that the broad conclusion that there was a 5 to 10% drop in the four countries studied seemed reasonable.

Other documents were from the International Union Against Cancer, Norway's National Council on Tobacco and Health plus Action on Smoking and Health.

It was understood that health officials now hope that the FIA will make good its offer, which would be welcomed by the UK Government.

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©