Jump to full article: AP, 2000-12-27
Author: LARRY NEUMEISTER / Associated Press Writer
Intro: The chief executive of the nation's third-biggest cigarette maker, testifying in a case brought by sick asbestos workers, said Wednesday his company sought ''greater credibility with our critics'' when it acknowledged smoking causes diseases.
''Indeed we have changed our position, I think for the better,'' Nicholas G. Brookes, chairman and chief executive officer of Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., testified in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn.
Outside court after three hours of testimony, Brookes said the company wanted to boost its credibility to a point where others want ''to give us a seat at the table'' as the future of the industry is decided.
''We're as intent as anyone to solve these public health issues,'' he said. ''We want to be involved in the debate.'' . .
He rejected suggestions that Brown & Williamson, maker of Kool and Lucky Strike and 18 other brands, had ever targeted asbestos workers with cigarette advertising.
''We did not,'' he said.
He said he was told some advertising may have been directed toward blue collar workers.
''I checked ads that did run and satisfied myself that they never did run,'' he said.
In 1981, the company dispatched workers to give away sample cigarettes outside locations where blue-collar workers might be found, but Brookes said the effort was conducted responsibly.
Jump to full article » |