HC Deb 18 February 1942 vol 377 cc1780-1
23. Mr. Mathers

asked the Minister of Information what method was adopted to secure the maximum publicity for the Government message regarding shopkeepers' delivery services; and why no advertising was done in the weekly newspapers published in the three Lothian counties?

The Minister of Information (Mr. Brendan Bracken)

A variety of methods were employed for securing publicity for the Government message. These included local meetings and posters on retailers' delivery vans. The message was advertised in trade papers, evening papers and local weekly papers selected for the purpose of coverage by the advertising agents advising on the campaign. It was not advertised in the local weekly papers in the three Lothian counties because the Edinburgh and Glasgow evening papers were considered to give sufficient coverage in this area.

Mr. Mathers

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise the value of these newspapers and recognise that they are much more closely read than the ordinary daily and evening newspapers to which he has referred, and does he realise that these three counties are great dormitory counties for the City of Edinburgh?

Mr. Bracken

Certainly, I will take the hon. Member's advice and draw the attention of our advertising experts to what he has said.