HC Deb 10 November 1943 vol 393 c1148
70. Mr. Sloan

asked the Minister of Information the total cost of the various campaigns, including advertising, for recruitment to the coalmining industry?

Mr. Thurtle

The total expenditure incurred on publicity for recruitment to the coalmining industry is approximately £24,000.

Mr. Cocks

How many recruits have you got for your £24,000?

Mr. Thurtle

There were 3,366 who opted for the mining industry of those called up, and there were 3,500 recruits.

Mr. Cocks

Why does not the Ministry employ a better advertisement writer?

Mr. Thurtle

I would point out that the decision to advertise for these recruits was a Government decision. We were only the instrument for carrying out that decision.

Mr. Sloan

Is my hon. Friend aware that money was wasted by advertising in newspapers that could bring no result at all to the mining industry?

Mr. Thurtle

That is a matter beyond my province. We were simply carrying out the decision of the Government.