HC Deb 06 December 1927 vol 211 cc1179-80
54. Sir W. de FRECE

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the trade advertisements on Government publications have to be first sanctioned by the different Departments connected with the issue of these publications; whether there have been any objections on the part of such Departments to any specific advertisements; and, if so, of what nature?

Mr. SAMUEL

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part of the question, Departments have from time to time exercised their right to withhold their sanction on the following grounds:

  1. (a) that the acceptance of the proposed advertisement was contrary to general, or departmental, policy;
  2. (b) that the advertisers were regarded as unsuitable for official publications;
  3. (c) that the matter advertised was regarded as unsuitable for official publications, or for the particular publication in question.

Viscountess ASTOR

Did they definitely protest against the advertisement of drink?

Mr. SAMUEL

It is all a question whether they are considered unsuitable or not.