§ 47. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Prime Minister for what reason the Government have directed the Post Office to refuse all advertisements in connection with the sale or manufacture of beer or spirits, whereby a loss of £4,000 per annum will be occasioned to the revenue; and whether the Post Office have been directed to refuse advertisements of any other commodities which are legally manufactured in Great Britain?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Lees-Smith)The Government considered it inexpedient that advertisements should be displayed in Post Office publications or in Post Office properties which are obnoxious to a considerable section of the public. So far as I am aware, the question has not arisen as regards other commodities.
§ Sir W. DAVISONBy what authority have the Government issued this direction to the Post Office with regard to a commodity legally manufactured in this country?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThe hon. Baronet must realise that the advertisements of this commodity were forbidden by the Post Office from 1912 until only three years ago. The authority on which we have acted is the authority that was acted on by the Government which the hon. Baronet supported.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIf previous Governments acted without authority, is that any reason why this Government should?
§ Sir BASIL PETOCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the same self-denying ordinance is carried out in all Government Departments?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHI think the hon. Gentleman must ask other Government Departments for an answer to that question.
§ Sir B. PETOOn a point of Order. May I call attention to the fact that this question is put to the Prime Minister expressly to find out the information for which I ask?