Scientists are angry that a ban on tobacco advertising could be delayed by the Government, despite Oxford research which shows it encourages teenage smoking.

Sir Paul Nurse, the Director General of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, claims thousands of lives could be put at risk if the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill is excluded from today's Queen's Speech.

It would mean proposals to ban cigarette companies from publicising their products and backing sporting events would not be passed through Parliament for at least a year.

Sir Paul said: "Tobacco is the most toxic of all drugs and equivalent in addictiveness to heroin or cocaine. The Government really shouldn't dither a moment longer over this vital measure."

It is estimated that a tobacco advertising ban would save 3,000 lives every year.

The cancer research fund claims those most at risk are impressionable teenagers who often smoke advertised cigarette brands.

Led by Prof Sir Richard Peto, the charity's Clinical Trial Service Unit, based at Oxford's Radcliffe Infirmary, has carried out a study showing that teenagers believed that, if smoking was really a health risk, the Government would ban tobacco adverts immediately.