MPs set up committee to look at ads

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More than 100 MPs and peers have set up an all-party parliamentary group on advertising to debate issues affecting the industry.

The group will be chaired by Austin Mitchell, Labour MP for Grimsby, an experienced political commentator and an associate editor of The House, trade journal for the House of Commons.

Vice-chairmen are Graham Brady, Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale West; Nigel Evans, Conservative MP for Ribble Valley; and Jane Griffiths, Labour MP for Reading East. The group will meet six times a year.

Lord Saatchi has written to offer his support but has not joined the group. Lord Rodgers of Quarry Bank, chairman of the Advertising Standards Authority, will not become a registered member because of a perceived conflict of interests.

Prospective issues for discussion include regulation of new media, advertising to children, food advertising and regulation of party political advertising.

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