HC Deb 29 July 1930 vol 242 cc246-7
1. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any representations have been made to the Empire Marketing Board criticising the Board's advertising programme from the point of view of design, expense, suitability, and efficiency, and what reply has been sent and what action taken?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

The Board received some months ago from the British Poster Advertising Association a paper criticising in particular their use of special frames instead of the public hoardings for the display of posters designed to further their policy. They were further asked to receive, or to arrange for their Publicity Committee to receive, a deputation from the Association. This paper was carefully considered by the Board, who were not convinced that its representations would justify the change in their policy which was suggested, or that a deputation on the subject could use fully be received. The Association were so informed at the time.

Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, quite apart from the matters to which he has just referred, there is a great deal of opinion to the contrary, and that it is felt that, owing to the general similarity of these advertisements, the series is losing in effect?

Mr. THOMAS

I am aware of the fact that this particular association is, quite naturally, anxious to get the business for itself, but we had to consider the advantage to the public, as against the particular advantage, and in this case the public advantage won.

Sir HERBERT SAMUEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman of opinion that the public does gain an advantage to the value of over £250,000 which has been, so far, spent on these advertisements?

Mr. THOMAS

One cannot put an assumption of that kind in figures. The short point is that this particular association want the advertisements in their own particular way by which they particularly benefit—[Interruption.] I am dealing with the facts and the answer to the question is that, the matter having been considered, it was decided that, on balance, the evidence was against them.

3. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs on what expert advertising advice the Empire Marketing Board rely in the formulation of their publicity campaign?

Mr. THOMAS

The Board rely mainly on the advice of their Publicity Committee, the membership of which includes persons well qualified to provide the expert advice required.

Mr. MANDER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this advice is voluntary, or if any of it is paid advice?

Mr. THOMAS

I do not think that any of it is paid. If hon. Members look at some of the names—Sir William Crawford, the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Sparkbrook (Mr. Amery), Sir Woodman Burbidge, and a number of others—I am quite sure it will be agreed that they command confidence.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Secretary of State for War is not on this committee?