§ 1. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power, whether he is aware that Messrs. Edmondsons have announced that they are to spend £20,000 on publicity in favour of private enterprise in electricity distribution; and whether he will take all steps necessary to prevent public utility companies diverting funds available for reducing charges to consumers for political purposes.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George)The answer to the first part of the Question is, No, Sir. As regards the second part, reasonable expenditure on publicity is legitimate and common practice in the case of trading concerns, including public utility undertakings, and the matter does not appear to call for any action on my part.
§ Mr. ParkerWould it be in order for municipalities also to advertise in favour of public enterprise in electricity, and would a body like British Overseas Airways Corporation, Ltd., be in order in advertising in favour of maintaining a public service of airways?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI could not answer the second part of the question. The answer to the first part is that it would be a matter for the local authority itself.
§ Mr. ColegateIs it not the case that the Government are spending large sums on publicity for their products?