HC Deb 24 February 1930 vol 235 cc1871-2
75. Mr. HACKING

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the object of the exhibition of photographs in Westminster Hall is to influence Members of Parliament in favour of the Advertisements Regulation Amendment Bill; and, if so, why he refuses to allow the same facilities to the opponents of this Bill?

Mr. LANSBURY

Permission was given to the hon. Member for Devizes (Mr. Hurd) representing the Amenities Group of this House, for an exhibition to be held in Westminster Hall in connection with the Rural Amenities Bill. No sanction was given for any exhibition to illustrate any other Bill. My attention has been drawn to the statement by the Council for the Preservation of Rural England that the exhibition is intended to cover also the Advertisements Regulation (Amendment) Bill, but this extension of purpose has been made entirely without my knowledge and consent.

Mr. HACKING

I am glad to know that the right hon. Gentleman did not know of this exhibition. Is he aware that it is reducing Westminster Hall to the level of a second-rate picture gallery?

Mr. HURD

May I ask whether, as a matter of fact, the exhibition in Westminster Hall was not illustrative of the opposition to the Bill which the House was considering last Friday on the advertisement side, and whether we are not grateful to him for the encouragement he is giving to the movement to prevent further uglification of the countryside?

Mr. LANSBURY

I am willing to accept the last part of the hon. Member's question.

Mr. HACKING

May we take it that he will not allow a similar exhibition?

Mr. LANSBURY

I will promise to do whatever the First Commissioner of Works has a right to do in such a case.