§ 35. Colonel PERKINSasked the Postmaster-General the amount of revenue derived from the advertisements of the dairy company appearing on the backs of old age pension books; what is the system of tendering for advertisements and whether any firm can tender for space in Government publications; how much revenue the Post Office has derived during the past year from advertisements of every kind; and whether, in view of the value of such advertising spaces, the Post Office is satisfied that the highest possible rates are being obtained?
§ Viscount WOLMERI regret that I cannot depart from the principle of treating contract prices as confidential. The general practice of the Post Office is to appoint after competitive tender an advertising agent. The revenue derived by the Post Office during the last financial year from advertisements under its control (which does not include those in the Telephone Directory) was £61,545. I have no reason to doubt that the prices obtained were the highest obtainable; but the revenue shows an upward tendency, and I hope that as the value of Post Office advertising space becomes better realised, the rates obtainable will improve still further.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs this contract an annual one?
§ Viscount WOLMERNo, Sir. It is for a period of years.
§ 56. Mr. BRIANTasked the Postmaster-General if there are any regulations regarding the nature of the advertisements exhibited in post offices, or if these have to be submitted prior to acceptance to his Department:
§ Viscount WOLMERThe answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.
§ 56 and 59. Mr. AMMONasked the Postmaster-General (1) the amount of revenue derived during the past 12 months from the advertisement of alcoholic liquors on Post Office premises and in Post Office publications;
(2) the amount of revenue derived annually from advertisement of alcoholic liquors in books of postage stamps?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe revenue derived annually from advertisement of alcoholic liquors in books of postage stamps is approximately £700. In respect to the other liquor advertisements, the orders already in hand represent an annual revenue to the Department of about £4,000.
§ Mr. AMMONDoes the Noble Lord think that the cash return is sufficient, having regard to the advertising of a commodity which is reputed by many-people to be the cause of much social and economic wrong?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSCan the Noble Lord say how much revenue from alcohol was collected by the Government of which the hon. Member for Camber well North (Mr. Ammon) was a Member, during the time it was in office?
§ Viscount WOLMERI am afraid that, I must have notice of that question. In regard to the supplementary question asked by the hon. Member for North Camberwell (Mr. Ammon), I think there are a great many commodities the abuse of which causes social wrong, but there is nothing either illegal or improper in the moderate use of alcoholic liquor. I cannot see why the Postmaster-General should not allow advertisements of that character in the Post Offices.