Foxley-Norris, a pipe and cigar smoker, said that he was concerned about the increasing interference by "the Government and other do-gooding bodies" in people's lives, and that he was surprised that the industry had not put up any co-ordinated response to anti-smoking measures.
[3] At around the same time, Lieutenant-General Sir Geoffrey Charles Evans, a cigarette smoker and formerly General Secretary of the National Union of Retail Tobacconists made similar proposals to industry figures.
[13] Foxley-Norris remained a public figurehead until retiring in 1989, and was replaced by Lord Harris of High Cross, general director of the Institute of Economic Affairs, and pipe smoker.
[14] The tobacco industry was keen to avoid any publicity and Eyres' resignation, effective as of 1 October 1989, and an agreement not to discuss the circumstances of the termination of his employment, was confirmed in a High Court judgement, of November 1989.
[16] Harris remained as chairman of FOREST until his death in 2006, while Tame, who took over from Eyres as Director of the organisation, continued in the position until 1995, when he was removed by the tobacco industry following concerns about his approach.
[17] Eyres was replaced by Marjorie Nicholson, who had previously been the organisation's campaign manager, standing for Parliament at the 1994 Dudley West by-election under the FOREST name.
[20] FOREST spokespeople continue to appear on television and radio in the United Kingdom and are quoted by British newspapers and broadcasters as representatives of a pro-tobacco viewpoint.
This is acknowledged in FOREST's 1985 Directors' report, stating that “the arms-length relationship with the industry has worked to the benefit of both parties” and noting that letter-writers were "retained" to provide an active local media presence.
[2] While opposing proposals to restrict smoking in public places, FOREST attracted the support of celebrity smokers including artist David Hockney, inventor Trevor Baylis, musician Joe Jackson, chef Antony Worrall Thompson, and politician Claire Fox.
In February 2006, FOREST lost its fight against comprehensive smoke-free workplace regulations in England, achieved via a House of Commons free vote and subsequently implemented on 1 July 2007.