HC Deb 15 July 1942 vol 381 cc1227-8
60. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to effecting economy and preventing waste of public money on costly advertising schemes to convey information from Government Departments which could quite effectively be given in editorial columns, he will carry out a system of scrutiny of all advertising done by Government Departments with a view to effecting economy?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

All schemes for Government advertising are carefully scrutinised with a view to securing the maximum economy. While my right hon. Friend gratefully acknowledges the support which can be and is given to Government publicity campaigns by the editorial columns of the Press, paid-space advertising is essential in a number of cases to enable the Government's message to be conveyed to the public at the appropriate moment and with the necessary frequency, continuity and authority of appeal.

Mr. De la Bère

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend tell me who are the people who scrutinise? Is it done by the Treasury or by the heads of Departments, and is there any definite system under which these unnecessary advertisements could be done away with?

Captain Crookshank

All schemes for Government advertising are carefully scrutinised with a view to securing the maximum economy by the Departments themselves, by the expert staff of the Ministry of Information when they are concerned, and by the Treasury.

Mr. De la Bère

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean to tell the House that the Ministry of Information exercises a general control over all Departments? Is it not a fact that each Department can spend what it likes in putting forward its own case, and that this is costing the public large sums of money?

Captain Crookshank

The Minister of Information, to whom this Question should be properly addressed, is responsible for the general co-ordination.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not a fact that although they are responsible they have no control whatever? The whole position is ludicrous.