HC Deb 12 December 1944 vol 406 cc1043-4
56. Sir R. Glyn

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consult with those responsible for the War Savings Campaign and the Ministry of Works as responsible for the care of public monuments in London, in order to cease covering such historical monuments as Nelson's Column, the Marble Arch and similar places with poster hoardings and so to permit visitors to London to see these monuments, assuming that the war savings movement is now so established as to no longer require these forms of advertisement.

Sir J. Anderson

While sympathising with my hon. Friend's purpose which I trust may be attainable before very long, I am afraid that I cannot accept his assumption. It is still of national importance that the need for war savings should receive the most effective possible publicity, and I hope that the National Savings Committee will continue to make full use of the facilities which they have been given for the purpose.

Sir R. Glyn

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that those very vulgar posters which debase these monuments can in no way support a great national effort?

Sir J. Anderson

I have to judge by the success of the effort taken as a whole, which is very great.

Mr. Petherick

In those circumstances would my right hon. Friend cover the Albert Hall entirely with posters?

Mr. Driberg

Would the right hon. Gentleman at least try to find some good modern artists who would design posters which did not look like old-fashioned chocolate boxes or bad magazine covers?