HC Deb 07 May 1941 vol 371 cc838-9
23. Dr. Edith Summerskill

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the poster bearing the words "Be like Dad, Keep Mum," is offensive to women, and is a source of irritation to housewives, whose work in the home if paid for at current rates would make a substantial addition to the family income; and whether he will have this poster with drawn from the hoardings?

Mr. Cooper

I am indeed sorry if words that were intended to amuse should have succeeded in irritating. I cannot, however, believe the irritation is very profound or widely spread.

Dr. Summerskill

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this poster is not amusing but is in the worst Victorian music-hall taste and is a reflection on his whole Department?

Mr. Cooper

I always thought that Victorian music-halls were then at their best.

Dr. Summerskill

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he goes to modern music-halls, he will find that this kind of joke is not indulged in and that this suggests that he is a little out of date for the work he is doing?

Mr. Lyons

Is this not typical of the lack of imagination of the Ministry?