HC Deb 01 March 1917 vol 90 cc2137-9
48. Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

asked whether, having consideration of the amount of printing paper consumed in advertising luxuries and non-essentials, he will institute a bureau for the censoring of advertisements which are not essential to the needs of the nation and the conduct of the War?

Mr. ROBERTS

Steps are already being taken for the restriction of the use of paper in certain forms of advertising, and the whole question of wasteful use of paper will continue to be carefully watched. As at present advised, however, I am not disposed to proceed on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is this not another example of the "Wait-and-See" attitude?

Mr. BILLING

Does the Government approve of the advertising of luxuries and non-essentials?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am hardly competent to answer that question on behalf of the Government. With regard to the question put by the hon. Member for North-West Lanarkshire (Mr. Pringle), I do not think he will have long to wait before the Order is issued.

63. Mr. P. A. HARRIS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered in his scheme for economising in the use of paper the amount daily consumed in the issuing of contents bills advertising daily and evening newspapers; and whether he will consider, now that it is found necessary to reduce the size of newspapers, the advisability of prohibiting during the War the publication of such contents bills?

Mr. ROBERTS

An Order will shortly be made under the Defence of the Realm Regulations severely restricting the use of contents bills and other similar means of advertisement.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Will the Board of Trade take into consideration when making the Order the desirability of stopping the use of paper for the purposes of trade advertisements in newspapers?

Mr. ROBERTS

All relevant points are being taken into consideration.

Mr. BILLING

Does that apply to all newspaper contents bills?

Mr. ROBERTS

Certainly that is my understanding.

Mr. BILLING

Then they are abolished entirely?

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Are any steps being taken to prevent the enlargement of newspapers?

Mr. ROBERTS

Very drastic steps will shortly be taken to restrict the use of papers?

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that one newspaper is enlarging and adding to the number of pages being published?

Mr. ROBERTS

I think my hon. Friend will see when he goes through the Order that the restrictions are sufficiently drastic to obviate any enlargement of size.

Mr. FLAVIN

Will the hon. Member send somebody round to see the stocks they have in hand?

Mr. ROBERTS

I have already taken action in order to ascertain what stocks are held.