Jump to full article: The Guardian (uk), 2009-02-23
Author: David Hencke, Westminster correspondent
Intro: The world's third largest tobacco company is offering entertainment perks to parliamentary researchers as legislation that will ban the display of cigarettes is before peers and MPs.
Japan Tobacco, the firm behind brands such as Benson & Hedges, Silk Cut, Camel and Winston, offered a "fun evening" watching the Strictly Come Dancing tour at the 02 Arena at the Millennium Dome in London.
The company invited at least two MPs' aides, including the researcher for Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrat health spokesman.
The aides turned down the chance to see Holby City star Tom Chambers, this year's winner, the entertainer Julian Clary, presenter Gethin Jones and former rugby player Kenny Logan.
With tickets still on sale for £47.25, the offer is not the most lavish hospitality offered by the cigarette industry, but its timing will raise eyebrows when parliament is due to debate a health bill that will clamp down on the sale of cigarettes. . . .
The offer to the researchers was made by Nick Harris, the corporate affairs manager of Gallagher, the British subsidiary of Japan Tobacco.
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