Delays in outlawing tobacco advertising in Scotland have been defended by the Scottish Executive as a UK-wide ban moved a step closer.

A bill banning adverts for tobacco products in magazines, newspapers, on the internet and on billboards is currently going through the House of Commons in London.

UK ministers said on Thursday that the measures, if passed by MPs, will come into effect "by the end of 2002".

Scotland's deputy health minister Mary Mulligan said a bill covering the whole of the UK would be "more effective and enforceable" than a Scotland-only ban - even though responsibility for tobacco advertising is devolved to Holyrood.

Mary Mulligan: 'Poor health record'

The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill is nearing its final stages at Westminster and UK ministers are said to be keen to see the measures passed by MPs soon after they return from the summer recess.

The Scottish National Party's health spokeswoman Nicola Sturgeon had introduced a Private Member's Bill but withdrew it after the UK Bill was passed by the House of Lords in March.

She said at the time she was "delighted" the UK Government was supporting a ban, claiming the had been "dragged into this position" by pressure from the Scottish Parliament.

Ms Mulligan said that an advertising ban, which would cover press, billboard and Internet adverts, could cut tobacco consumption by 2.5%.

Effective and enforceable

She said: "Smoking remains one of the most damaging factors in Scotland's poor health record.

"Tobacco advertising undoubtedly has a powerful influence, particularly on our young people and that is why banning it is such an important part of our tobacco control strategy.

"While the responsibility for tobacco advertising is devolved to the Scottish Parliament, the executive has always believed that a bill that covers the whole of the UK would be much more effective and enforceable.

"We are now in position to consult on proposals for Scottish and UK regulations under the Bill to restrict point of sale advertising and to set out a timetable for the ending of tobacco sponsorship and brand-sharing."

The Westminster Bill - a duplicate of Government legislation lost when the General Election was called last year - was originally introduced by Liberal Democrat peer Lord Clement-Jones, but won the backing of ministers in the spring.

ASH Scotland Chief Executive Maureen Moore said that the legislation was vital, as Scotland has higher rates of tobacco-related illness and death than any other part of the UK.

She said: "These new regulations will cover important areas. Brand-stretching, where cigarette logos are put on items like trendy clothes, will be banned, and advertising in shops will also be prohibited."