§ 26. Mr. T. Smithasked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the free Press in some towns are debarred from having Government advertisements; and what are the reasons for this discrimination?
§ The Minister of Information (Mr. Duff Cooper)No section of the Press is debarred from having Government advertisements. The second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.
§ Mr. SmithDoes my right hon. Friend ask me to believe that the free Press, circulated in certain towns, is able to receive advertisements? Is he not aware that a considerable correspondence has taken place on this matter between his and other Departments?
§ Mr. CooperI am not quite sure what the hon. Member means by a "free" Press. Does he mean a Press which is circulated free?
§ Mr. CooperCertainly they are entitled to receive advertisements, but advertisements are placed in papers where they are likely to command the widest publicity.
§ Mr. SmithDoes the Minister appreciate that in some towns the free Press is widely supplied to every householder within the borough, and that it is the one medium which appears to be what most advertisers want? If Government advertisements had been put in the free Press, it is possible that there would not have been so much delay on the part of certain householders in submitting ration cards.
§ Mr. CooperI am quite prepared to look into this question and place advertisements where they are likely to do the most good.