asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the possible loss of jobs which would be consequent on the introduction of regulations banning the sale of publications containing advertisements for cigarettes and tobacco which are not in conformity with recent legislation on this subject; if he will be participating in attempts to formulate a common European policy on this matter with other EEC member states; and if he will postpone making any regulations until EEC agreement has been reached on this issue.

Representations have been made to me from a number of sources in relation to the impact of controls on tobacco advertising upon the circulation of overseas publications in this country. I am considering these representations and examining the implications of the proposed controls with the interests involved. It is unlikely that a common European policy in this area will be evolved in the near future and I could not justify deferring the making of the regulations until agreement has been reached within the EEC.

Could the Minister say when it was originally intended that these regulations would be introduced and take effect?

At the earliest possible moment.

Is not the Minister aware that he stated in this House during the passage of the Bill that it was intended that these regulations would come into effect at the beginning of the year?

Question No. 10. The Deputy is always creating argument. I am very anxious to facilitate the Deputy but he always seems to put forward some type of argument which is not in order.

I am simply asking if the Minister is aware that the regulations were originally intended to come into effect at the beginning of this year. That is not argumentative. Could the Minister indicate whether he intends modifying the draft of the regulations which he circulated to interested parties?

I have replied to this question.

The Minister has a remarkable capacity for avoiding embarrassing questions.