HC Deb 12 November 1917 vol 99 cc35-6
67. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that full-page advertisements of War Loans, headed Chancellor of the Exchequer, have been inserted in a magazine calling itself the " Cambridge Magazine," and have been paid for out of public money; whether he is aware that this magazine, which calls itself a university weekly, is not printed in Cambridge, but in London, and is the vehicle of pacificists' propaganda of a kind repugnant to the great majority of the members of Cambridge University and of the people of this country; and whether he will give directions that no further advertisements shall be inserted in this Magazine by any Government Department or paid for out of public money?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The National War Savings Committee ceased to insert advertisements in the "Cambridge Magazine" as soon as their attention was called to the nature of its contents. No such advertisement has appeared in the magazine since the 25th August last.

Commander WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the "Cambridge Magazine" is one of the most interesting weekly periodicals, and contains translations the foreign Press, collected; impartially from both sides?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have never seen the "Cambridge Magazine," but the question of what is interesting depends on the man who reads it.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Foreign Secretary advised us to read the German Press; that this is the only journal which enables us to do so; and why should he penalise it?

Mr. BUTCHER

Will my right hon. Friend give instructions to the War Savings Committee to be a little more cautious in future as to the character of the magazines in which they advertise?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have really no reason to find fault with the work of the National War Savings Committee, and I think I can safely leave it to their discretion.

Commander WEDGWOOD

Was the National War Savings Committee told to withdraw their advertisement by the hon. Member opposite?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Certainly not.

Commander WEDGWOOD

It looks like it.

Mr. BONAR LAW

They were not invited to withdraw it by me. I have every confidence in the judgment of the War Savings Committee.

Mr. PRINGLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what money this Committee has spent on this propaganda, and with what result?