PSC-WHO
Document PSC030B
Fields
- Request
- PSC 30
- Site
- Guildford
Document Images
TO: CHAIRMAN'S ADVISORY CONFERENCE,
HOT SPRINGS.
~2th May ~976
REPORT ON THE GROUP R & D CONFERENCEI MONTREAL
5 - 9 APRIL 1976
The following points and questions were raised"
for consideration at Hot Springs:
Be
Modification to the assumptions on which the Smoking
and Health Divisional Plan is based were suggested
as follows:
a) Although nicotine will be considered by some
doctors to be less harmful than tar, there will
be increasing recognition, by some medical
authorities, that smoking is a nicotine dependent
activity. This will, in part, condition attitudes
to nicotine.
b) There will be an increasing tendency to associate
specific smoke constituents with particular diseases.
c) Although medical authorities will continue to advise
smokersnot to inhale, they will not be inclined to
press for any specific developments such as products
designed to limit inhalation.
d) The chemical industry in general is now expected to
sit on the fence in relation to new-smoking materials,
although ICI and Celanese are expected to seek avenues
for a more aggressive approach.
e) Although product modifications will be seen by the
anti-smokers as an indication of increasing success p
a body of practical doctors will recognise these as
progress in the direction they desire.
f) The strategy of some anti-smokers is to wean smokers
from cigarettes by encouraging the development of
very low nicotine cigarettes.
g) We shall be able to achieve technically, with all-
tobaaco cigarettes, all that can be done with
substitutes in smoking and health terms.
h) Although no sudden breakthrough is envisaged to
solve the smoking and health problem, scientific
research will give rise to products seen to be
healthier by some authorities.
O
Contd., O0
BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

- 2 -
o
3.
.
.
i) Further work on passive smoking will provide a
basis on which dangers to non-smokers from current
cigarette smoking may be alleged with some credibility.
j) There will be medical advances in the treatment of
lung cancer.
Additions to the plan were suggested as follows:
I. There is a requirement for more work on the effects
of smoking. This applies particularly in the social
and psychological fields, where it is felt that the
benefits of smoking may well be identified.
II. We should study how best to make ethical health claims.
III. More effort should be devoted to nicotine and its
analogues. There is a good case for carrying out
short-term inhalation studies on nicotine for
comparison with tobacco. Contra-indications should
be further explored. The development of very low
nicotine cigarettes for the susceptible minority
already identified should be considered.
IV. An intensive study should be made of passive smoking
to pre-empt further attacks in this area and products
modified, if necessary.
The principle of appointing one or more independent
advisers requires consideration. If the principle is
agreed, how best to proceed?
Attention is drawn to item 16 of the Group Research
Notes :
°
The existence of the published Hunter Committee
Guidelines in the U.K. probably affects the legal
and ethical requirements which would need to be met
in other countries. However, there would clearly
be conflicts of medical opinion between various
countries. Historically, the treatment of additives
demonstrated this, but it also demonstrated that,
in the long term, adoption of standards in one
country does influence standards in others.
The Research Conference agreed to postpone further
consideration of the "cross-over" experiment until
the results of a TRC cross-over using cigarette and
cigar tobacco was obtained. In the event of marketing
substitutes, for example, this means that we shall not/
know all we could about relative risks until this
experiment is done (about three years after starting).
On the other hand it may not be considered worthwhile
spending K300,000 or so until it is known whether a
particular substitute is acceptable.
I
J
o
C7"
Contd.
__3
oo
o
BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

a
o
.
u
10.
- 3-
The items on Smoking Materials are reproduced here:
(These may be discussed under Hot Springs Agenda Item 8)
(a) The work in B&W on developing non-combustible
cigarette fillers is now complete. However, in
order to keep open the options on non-tobacco
smoking materials, which are available to the
B.A.T. Group, it was agreed that the biological
testing of the B&W variants and the further
development of non-combustible filler should
continue at Southampton. The meeting would not
support a case for capital investment in semi-
commercial plant at this stage.
(b) The view on competitive tobacco substitutes is that
NSM is currently more acceptable than Cytrel in,
biological terms, in spite of its high carbon
monoxide delivery. One, if not both, of these
materi~is are currently being consumer tested in
the U.K.
(c) In the PRT-7~ project, an exercise is currently being
planned to design a small 500 tons per annum plant.
this will not necessarily be based on the Foudrinier
type machine. It could lead to better designs of a
big plant but, in particular, would give more freedom
to all, if successful, to consider introducing PRT-71
with the original health orientated objectives.
The Research Conference raises the question:
Should B.A.T. Group consider acquiring a flavour house?
This is suggested because of the obviously increasing
importance of flavours in cigarettes.~.-
Should the acute animal inhalation tests available at
Southamp~ton be used for any ad-hoc product development?
Should the tests be used? Would there be any demand
for tests? If so where should they be set up?
A report is expected in the U.S.A. indicating allergenic
properties of smoke. This could be a very serious
threat and would make the case against passive smoking
more credible. It is hoped to report further at Hot
Springs.
It is suggested that some attempt should be made to
answer the question: "What duty do we owe to our
consumers to inform them with respect to our produots?"
At the end Of the Conference, the Aims andObjectlves of
the U.K. R&D programme weme re-examined in the llght of
the discussions which had taken place. A number of
conclusions were drawn:-
Contd.
O
O
C9~
Co
BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

a)
b)
c)
d)
- 4-
The role of central R&D was seen by the meeting
to be concerned both with insurance aspects
(anticipating outside research results, etc.)
and with its contribution in providing scientific
foundations on which Company R&D would build.
The Biological Research programme might now be
more directed towards the development of specific /
products, but POlicy guidance is needed on the
directions in which we should move, for example,
to lead in health orientated, biologically tested
cigarettes. So far, our central research has been
concerned with providing options; should these now
be taken up? So long as we are concerned merely
with providing options, R&D are necessarily self-
starters~ but more positive product development
would require guidance and commitment from No.ls.
Nevertheless, the defensive role of high quality
research across a wide field should not be neglected.
In particularp this enables us to refute allegations
made based on poor quality research.
The Aim on Smoking Materials, etc. was reworded as
follows:
To develop the options and the technology for
the production of smoking materials having
desirable subjective smoking characteristics
and physical properties compatible with tobacco
manufacture, while possessing improved and/or
controlled smoke properties with optimisation
of cost.
The meeting felt it would be desi~ble to give
indications of the time-scales involved in different
approaches.
The Aim of the work on interaction of smoke and
the smoker was considered and after a full
discussion was changed as follows:
To establish in objective terms why people
smoke, how they smoke, and the effect of
product characteristics on smoker response
in order that preferred cigarettes may be
designed.
e) Product design Aims were restated as:
To advance the technical knowledge necessary
to combine the components of cigarettes to
produce predictable effects.
C:D
O
c~
Contd..co
~r'l
r',,..)
BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

12.
- 5 -
f)
In the process and engineering development field,
it was agreed that a longer range approach should
be adopted and the processing side particularly
emphasised, although not to the exclusion of all
machinery development. The Aim was changed to~
To pursue longer range developments in tobacco
and filter processing and handling techniques
so as to establish both methods andguidelines
whereby the quality of the product can be
improved, tobacco used more efficiently,
greater control exercised over the packaged
product and cost reductions realised.
g) The remaining Aims were endorsed without modification.
There was adiscussion of the revised position for patents
which would follow if Millbank recommendations under
item 11 were accepted. The proposals were welcomed by
all.
SJG:NW
O
G
--4
CO
L,4
BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

.
0
.
.
.
So
.
PAYING.FOR CENTRAL RESEARCH
In the past the research carried out by B.A.T.H.Q.,
has been paid for by B.A.T. in the U.K. The cost
has been partly offset by contributions from Associated
Companies as part of advisory fees, or in the case of
B&W under a "Cost and Risk Sharing Agreement". In the
current year this latter Agreement has meant that B&W
are contributing less than Malaya, Switzerland or
Hong Kong for example.
It is now proposed that all R&D done by operating
companies should properly be regarded as done for the
Company and paid for by the Company concerned. The
product from such R&D therefore would become the property
of the operating company for exploitation anywhere.
Member companies however would agree certain ground
rules for the exploitation of such research product
and for the exchange of information and avoidance.
of unwanted duplication (See Appendix I).
The R&D directed from the Centre calls for special
consideration. Of the kotal budget of about
£4 million some £2.5 million can be identified as
research in support of general Group strategy (see
Appendix II) while the remainder can be related
to operating company objectives or is supportive
of other Millbank services (See Appendix III).
It is suggested that the identified Central Group
research should be financed by a levy on sales by all
Companies. This levy would amount to 0.15% Net
Turnover.
I£ is believed this method could have advantages
because it would have acceptance by Authorities to
treating this charge as a deduction for tax in the
paying country, there would be more chance of
obtaining Exchange Control approval to remit and
adjustment for inflation would be automatic.
It is essential to get proper financing of our
longer range research. It may be that some
structural change (e.g. the creation of a Group
research company) might be useful in order to
facilitate further the involvement of the major
companies if this were desired. However it is
hoped to get agreement in principle now with the
major companies and commitment both to the aims of
central research and the contributions involved
(See Appendix IV).
Enc:
SJG=NW
11.5.76
O
O
C~
"-4
L3n
BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

APPENDIX I
I.
2~
.
o
o
o
.
Marketing and consumer research, manufacturing
improvements and product development techniques and
methodology should be exchanged freely. Although
the bigger facilities in the operating companies might
be expected to make bigger inputs the size of these
facilities is in proportion to company sales, weighted
for market sophistication, and all companies will
therefore benefit appropriately.
Product Developments, if successful, will be reflected"
in products. Successful brands are the desired outcome
and compensation willaccrue to the producer in licensing
such brands to users.
Product and process developments which are patentable
should be protected by the inventors and such inventions
become licensable to users inside and outside the Group.
There should be a general agreement between all Tobacco
companies in the Division to give first options, lead
times and "most favoured nation" treatment to other
companies in the Division with respect to product and
process patents. It would also be agreed that exclusive
licences will not be granted to competitors.
Machinery developments which are patentable may be
licensed exclusively to appropriate machinery producers
but the interests of the Division would be protected
in order to give all member companies preferential or
'no less favourable' terms.
For all patents the inventing company would protect
in such countries as it sees fit but &n" all cases
Divisional H.Q. should be consulted and suitable
arrangements made to assign or protect in such other
countries as may be required.
In order to eliminate unnecessary duplication and to
make R&D as effective as possible the companies will
agree to keep each other informed on programmes, to
exchange methodology and to pool results subject to
patent protection mentioned above.
(:D
C~x
OO
L/]
BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

APPENDIX II
attached.
are included under Biological Reseacch and Information.
these are deducted the total Group research offered for
recovery is £2,444,000 under the five headings:
The Research & Development Department Budget is
In this Tobacco Research Council costs of £156,000
If
(I) Biological Research and Information
(2) Product Research
(3) Smoker Research
(4) Process and Engineering Research
(5) New Smoking Material Research
Description of the aims and scope of the work involved.
The aims have all been reviewed and agreed at
Montreal in 1976.
(1) Biological Research and Information
Ai___mm: To put the Group in a position to understand
the relevance and importance of advances made any-
where in this field and to establish methods whereby
the biological activity of tobacco smoke from different
products can be compared using tests which may be related
to diseases or benefits attributed to smoking in order
to guide general product development, investment or the
development of specific products.
This has necessitated setting up biological
facilities using small animals as well as other test
procedures. The in-house animal work to date has been
concentrated successfully on producing measured doses of
smoke which are inhaled by animals and reach" the target
organs in sufficient• quantity. As a consequence, test
procedures are available which may be related to specific
diseases. It is believed that BAT are now as far advanced
in some techniques as any others and we have sufficient basic
knowledge to engage in dialogue on an equal footing with
Government agencies. While the main thrust is product
orientated, it is intended to continue research work into
the effect of smoke on animals and biological systems in order
properly to assess the value of the work of others and to
further our own procedures.
External contract work covers both medium and long
term mouse skin painting and is designed to guide the principles
upon which product design should be founded. The studies cover
the various forms of reconstituted tobacco and tobacco substitutes
and are also intended to counter any suggestion that nicotine
" could be related to carcinogenicity.
The examination of the possible health consequences
arising from the use of additives on tobacco products is also
an important activity and certain additives are subject to
detailed study.
Con td.
(ZD
O
o~
(X)
L/l
BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

- 2 - Appendix II
The whole programme, while directed by U.K. staff
is greatly assisted by the input of the various Company R & D
laboratories through the Biological Research Meeting which is
particularly concerned with priorities. Work done for
specific company product developments or for specific
company problems has, .in the past, been charged directly,
where this was possible.
There is continuing support for the work of TRC;
which is being directed towards the examination of cardio-
vasculardisease.
Finally, an important aspect of the whole work
is the provision of a soun~ information service.
(2) Product Research
Ai___mm: The advancement of technical knowledge necessary
to combine the components of cigarettes to produce
predictable effects.
To this end, it is necessary to understand the
ways which are available for controlling the production~
composition and filtration of smoke in any required direction.
It is also necessary to establish the desired directions in
which these controlling influences should move. Work is,
therefore, in hand with the objective of understanding and
explaining the effects of tobacco blend, cigarette paper and
filters, individually, and in combination, on the detailed
physics and chemistry of smoke. Associated with this is
the use of sophisticated techniques for identifying and
quantifying tobacco and smoke constituents.
It is necessary to find out what effects are
important in consumer terms. One method mf approaching this
for example has been to examine in great detail the products
on a particular market and identify patterns which uniquely
describe competitors' products. The development and advance-
ment of sensory assessment techniques is fundamental to
approaches in this area, including passive smoking.
There is also an increasing pressure from many
authorities to measure and report the delivery of increasing
numbers of smoke constituents, either on the packet or in
league tables. Means of dealing with this and anticipating
future developments are necessary. The influence of micro-
biological control, factory hygiene and pesticides on
cigarettes and the study of nicotine and the search for
alternatives are projects arising wholly or in part from
this area.
The concept of total product design is now well
kRown.
Contd. CD
Cr~
(Do
tJn
"-,d
BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

- 3 -- Appendix II
3. Smoker Research•
Aim: To establish, in objective terms, why people
smoke, how they smoke and the effect of product
characteristics on smoker response, in order that
preferred cigarettes may be designed.
In order for any effective studies to be carried
out on smokers, it has first been necessary to ensure the
free and willing co-operation of a large number of people,
who are prepared to act as experimental subjects. A large
proportion of the staff at G.R & D.C. are taking part in
the experimental programme.
It has been necessary to develop reliable
objective ways of observing and measuring how people smoke
and to couple with this the construction of equipment for
reproducing smoking patterns. This has opened the door
to finding out the ways in which different smokers smoke a
given cigarette and the factors which influence this behaviour,
i.e. personality, sex, motivation, etc. It has also led the
way to determining the manner in which smokers modify their
habits when changing from one product to another of different
construction and to their compensatory reactions.
The rewards of ~moking which are sought by smokers
range from the purely psychological to a variety of physio-
logical effects, some of which may be related to personality.
The use of electro-encephalography to study the effects of
smoking on brain activity (particularly alpha waves) is
leading to the better understanding of these effects and
might point to their influence on preference.
4. Process and Engineering Research
°
Ai..__mm: To pursue longer range developments in tobacco
and filter processing and handling techniques, so as
to establish both methods and guidelines whereby the
quality of the product can be improved, tobacco used
more efficiently, greater control exercised over the
packaged product and cost reductions realised.
The work on process and engineering which is
done for the whole Group rather than any particular company,
has in the past been both of a long and short term nature.
On the primary processing side, there is a continuing demand
for knowledge, understanding and assistancewith the imple-
mentation of methods for expanding tobacco. Recent product
developments have pointed to possible advantages of these
materials in low delivery cigarettes, as opposed to the
simple use in cost saving~ for example.
The developing need for specifying cigarette
deliveries, particularly the labelling of packages, has
meant that work on controlling these properties through the
leaf plant and primary process is of increasing importance.
New equipment design has also been called for.
CD
CD
C~
"-4
CO •
Contd. tJn
Cr)
BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999
