§ 50. Captain CUNNINGHAM - REIDasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the Stationery Office has recently invited tenders for the appointment of an agency for advertising in newspapers and periodicals on behalf of the Government Departments in Scotland; if he is further aware that an agreement between the Newspaper Proprietors' Association and all recognised advertising agencies provides for a minimum commission charge of 10 per cent. on all new business; and if in such cases he will discontinue the system of tender and substitute that of direct appointment?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no official knowledge of the terms of the trade agreement between the Newspaper Proprietors' Association and the advertising agencies to 1967 which my hon. Friend refers, but I understand that it has been in existence for many years during which time all Stationery Office advertising contracts have been placed after competitive tender. Government advertising differs in many important respects from private advertising; and I see no grounds for departing in this matter from the system of tender which is the recognised practice in the public service.