FOUR leading tobacco companies were granted leave by the High Court yesterday to challenge the legality of a government advisory committee's report that called for bans on tobacco advertising and smoking in public places.

Mr Justice Moses said the report by the Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health contained passages that might do "commercial damage" to the tobacco companies. He said it was "arguable" that they should have been consulted and given the chance to comment before the report was published.

The four companies, British American Tobacco, Gallaher, Imperial, and Rothmans - which between them produce more than 90 per cent of all UK cigarette brands - are seeking to have the report quashed.

Jonathan Sumption, QC, for the companies, said it was "one-sided and seriously flawed".

Dr Bill O'Neill, adviser to the British Medical Association, accused the firms of "pure posturing".

28 June 1998: Cigarette firms sue over passive smoking report
14 May 1998: EU bans tobacco advertising
16 March 1998: Cigarette firm's memo boosts cancer lawsuits
15 March 1998: No 'significant' risk in passive smoking
13 March 1998: [City] Gallaher says debate over smoking is too emotional
8 March 1998: Passive smoking doesn't cause cancer - official