a ban on tobacco advertising in the European Union ( eu) is on the anvil. The Netherlands, which holds the crucial swing vote, is likely to vote for a ban on tobacco advertising.

The Dutch move is at odds with the uk government which wants to back tobacco advertising curbs on the condition that Formula One motor racing be given an open-ended exemption. Hans Dijkstal, interior minister and deputy premier, The Netherlands, said: "You do not bring in a ban and immediately attach exceptions to it." The uk's move to exempt Formula One motor is linked with recent disclosures about donation to the uk Labour party from Bernie Ecclestone, the head of Formula One.

Senior officials of the uk government have indicated the government might be prepared to compromise.They insist, however, that if cigarette brand names are not be displayed on cars and hoardings, those televised events will move outside the eu with a consequent loss of local jobs.