HC Deb 19 February 1930 vol 235 cc1383-5
93. Mr. HACKING

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he granted permission to the Society for the Preservation of Rural England to exhibit in Westminster Hall photographs showing the detrimental effect of advertisements on the countryside; and, if so, whether he will grant the same facilities for other societies and institutions to show the beneficial effect of advertisements on the industries of this country?

Mr. LANSBURY

The exhibition at present in Westminster Hall does demonstrate the advantage of well-placed and well-designed hoardings. I am not prepared to permit the use of Westminster Hall for the benefit of any particular industry.

Mr. HACKING

Why should one society be treated differently from another society in this matter?

Mr. LANSBURY

The, right hon. Gentleman asked me, in his original question, to allow particular industries to show particular exhibits—

Mr. HACKING

No.

Mr. LANSBURY

I understood that to be the question. The exhibit in Westminster Hall shows good advertising and very bad advertising.

Mr. HACKING

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman will not allow other societies to exhibit in Westminster Hall?

Mr. LANSBURY

Not any particular industry.

Mr. HACKING

Why should this particular association be given preference over any other?

Mr. LANSBURY

Because it is considered desirable to do so. We shall judge each application on its merits.

Mr. SANDERS

May I ask my right hon. Friend, in view of the great historic associations connected with Westminster Hall—with regard to which, I expect, he is as sensitive as I am—not to allow in future any exhibitions in the Hall at all except those that in no way injure its beauty and its dignity?

Mr. LANSBURY

I am not aware that the present exhibition injures the beauty of Westminster Hall in any sort of way whatever.

Mr. HACKING

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow this exhibit to be a permanent exhibit?

Mr. LANSBURY

No, certainly not.

Mr. HACKING

If it is so desirable and so beautiful, why is it only temporary?

Mr. LANSBURY

For the purpose of instructing the right hon. Gentleman and several other Members of this House as to the proper way to advertise goods throughout the country.