andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that the national daily and Sunday newspapers have refused to accept advertisements for anti-smoking tablets known as Desuetone Lobeline, the basic drugs in which are freely advertised in the British national press and are medically quite acceptable; and if he is in a position to insist on their acceptance by the newspapers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Advertising of Anti-Smoking Tablets.
10.
I have made some inquiries in this matter and, while I understand that some of the newspapers have not accepted advertisements of the kind mentioned in the question others have not refused them. I have, of course, no power to insist on newspapers publicising any particular proprietary products, nor do I think that it would be proper for me to have such a power.
If the Minister has made inquiries, he must have seen that the campaign proposed is a very innocuous, very balanced and reasonable one. In all the circumstances, would he not seek whatever powers he needs in order to insist that at least the public is given an opportunity of knowing that there is another side to this question of smoking and cancer of the lung?
The Minister feels that he has no power to interfere in this matter.
Is it a fact that the tobacco companies will be allowed to suppress the company which is attempting to put the other side of the case to the public and to help people to save themselves from getting cancer of the lung by providing this drug?
Would the Minister not agree that it would be an intolerable invasion of the rights of the individual for any Government Department to take powers to dictate to newspapers what they should publish?
I think so, yes.
Is it not an intolerable invasion of the rights of the individual that the tobacco companies should prevent another side of the story being shown by the company referred to in the question? It is the tobacco companies who are using their influence.
Could the Minister not whisper into the ear of Deputy de Valera, who is the managing director of the Irish Press, the Government's kept newspaper?