HC Deb 30 April 1957 vol 569 cc12-3
23. Mr. Finlay

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why it is proposed to circulate posters depicting the red squirrel in connection with the forthcoming anti-litter campaign, having regard to the fact that it is a notoriously untidy animal.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. J. R. Bevins)

The red squirrel was chosen for the poster because it is a delightful small creature which reminds people of the country. If my hon. Friend can suggest an animal which gets higher marks for tidiness while being equally photogenic, my right hon. Friend will gladly consider adopting it for 1958.

Mr. Finlay

Is my hon. Friend aware that the object of this exercise is not to produce photographs of photogenic animals but to try to stop litter? Is he further aware that in Denmark —a country which has a far better record in regard to this dirty habit—a pig dressed in human clothes is depicted on posters? This would fit in much more with the characteristic habits of large sections of the British public.

Mr. Bevins

I should think that my right hon. Friend could continue to survive without being an expert upon the habits of squirrels. What he is concerned with is the effect of the poster, and it has had a very good response.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Will the Minister come with me, early one morning, to Hampstead Heath Pond, where he will have an opportunity of studying the habits of these beautiful animals and of knowing something more about them?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

When my right hon. Friend is considering advertisements of this sort, will he bear in mind the fact that the badger is a more suitable animal to emulate because it is the tidiest creature, and whatever mess it makes, it digs underground?

Mr. Bevins

I think that my right hon. Friend is sympathetic to the badger, because it happens to be his family crest.