92000E3298

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3298/00

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Council

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Tobacco sponsorship of Formula One

In view of the payment of GBP 1 million to the British Labour Party prior to the last UK general election by Mr Bernard Ecclestone, the organiser of Formula One racing which is sponsored by tobacco manufacturers, and in view of allegations that tobacco interests may have made similar donations to the CDU in Germany, will the Council initiate an inquiry into the influence on political decision-taking across the European Union of tobacco manufacturers seeking to support the continued promotion of tobacco products?

Reply

(12 February 2001)

The Council is fully conscious of the great importance of, and public interest in, the issue of tobacco promotion. We note, however, that your examples relate to the funding of national political parties. We are obliged to emphasise that the funding of national political parties is strictly a matter for the Member States. The Council has no competence in this area.