The anti-smoking lobby and cancer charities have made plain their anger following the announcement that plans to ban tobacco advertising have been shelved until later in this parliament.

A total ban on the advertising of cigarettes and tobacco products had been promised by ministers who said the measure would be dealt with urgently.

Ministers have said they remain committed to introducing the measure, citing a lack of parliamentary time for the delay.

But Whitehall insiders are said to be hesitant about introducing the measure without further consultation after an EU-wide attempt to ban tobacco advertising fell foul of the European Court.

The anti-smoking lobby did little to hide its frustration following the queen's speech.

John Connelly, a spokesman for the anti-smoking group ASH, said: "We are very disappointed and shocked by the government's announcement. This is a 1997 manifesto commitment which we still haven't had. It would save 3000 lives and cost nothing."

He dismissed claims that the government was now re-examining the legislation in order to avoid the same problems encountered by the European parliament. "The government was sure enough to say six months ago that this was watertight. The problem in Europe was not the legality of ban. The problem was that it was interpreted as a matter for member states and not for the European Union."

Cancer charities have also lined up to criticise the government over its decision to delay the legislation.

Sir Paul Nurse, the director general of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, said: "There is no doubt that tobacco advertising increases consumption. We believe the bill would particularly help with teenage smoking rates as studies show that young people smoke the most heavily advertised brands. Every day this Bill is delayed, more people are killed by tobacco and more children take up the habit."