Luxembourg, 27/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - During the final press conference of the Health Council, on Wednesday in Luxembourg, Spanish Health Minister Celia Villalobos recalled that the Spanish Presidency had hoped the new proposal of directive on tobacco advertising would be examined during the first quarter of 2002. She regretted that the European Parliament had not yet managed to complete its first reading of this dossier, which aims at a total ban on advertising. Commissioner David Byrne pointed out that he had first been told it would be in June, then in July, then in September and now in October. He also regretted the Parliament's delay in examining this issue. Mr Bryne presented ministers with a report on the situation of negotiations within the WHO concerning the framework convention for the international fight against tobacco. Speaking with several journalists, French Minister Jean-François Mattei stressed there was unanimity for measures to prevent smoking addiction and to combat passive smoking. Germany is still the only exception regarding advertising.
The Council also adopted conclusions on medical appliances (see EUROPE of 24 June, p.9) as well as on the new Community programme on public health, with a budgetary allocation of EUR 312 million over the period 2003-2008.
During lunch, ministers held a brief exchange of views on bio-terrorism.