55. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether clerks of stationery in Government Departments are still required to notify the Stationery Office in all cases before putting special work in hand for display, copywriting of advertisements, and carrying out special or large publicity schemes; and whether 847 he will ensure that all Government printing shall be passed through one central department?
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)The Ministry of Information is the central organ for the conduct of Government publicity. Display advertising in the Press, on behalf of all Government Departments except two, is the responsibility of that Department. I assume, however, that my hon. Friend has also in mind work in connection with printing of posters, etc. In regard to such work there has been no change in the long standing arrangement whereby Government printing in general is ordered through His Majesty's Stationery Office.
Mr. De la BèreCould my right hon. and gallant Friend tell me for which of the two the Ministry of Information are not responsible?
§ Captain CrookshankThe Ministry of Food and the National Savings Committee.
Mr. De la BèreWill my right hon. and gallant Friend endeavour to get real efficiency in this publicity scheme, because there seems to be no set method now?