HC Deb 16 July 1946 vol 425 cc1020-1
1. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he will now ask Parliament for power to limit advertising, by the use of hoardings in rural areas.

5. Mr. Asterley Jones

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is now able to announce a decision regarding the control of outdoor advertisements.

6. Mr. Dumpleton

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he can now indicate when it will be possible to introduce legislation to strengthen the control over outdoor advertisements, particularly in rural areas.

7. Mr. Derek Walker-Smith

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether, pending legislation, any action is being taken to restrict or discourage the erection of hoardings that detract from rural amenities.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Town and Country Planning (Mr. Fred Marshall)

My right hon. Friend hopes to introduce legislation to control outdoor advertising as soon as practicable; but I cannot forecast when Parliamentary time will permit him to do so. Meanwhile, I have learned with satisfaction that a voluntary agreement has been reached within important sections of the industry not to establish additional signs in the countryside.

Sir I. Fraser

Will the hon. Gentleman, while awaiting this legislation, use whatever powers he at present has to extend this voluntary agreement?

Mr. Marshall

Yes, we are doing that. It is very desirable that local authorities should take advantage of the power they already possess to control advertising.

Mr. Thomas Brown

Is my hon. Friend aware that, in a previous Government, a promise was made that legislation would be brought forward to put an end to this ugly form of advertising which is despoiling the countryside?

Mr. Marshall

I can only say that, whatever a previous Government promised, we are determined to keep control over advertising.

Mr. E. P. Smith

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the proposed legislation will include control over the abomination of skywriting advertising?

Wing-Commander Roland Robinson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the London County Hall itself is disfigured with advertising slogans?

Mr. Marshall

I can only repeat that we shall take an all-round view of this matter and do our best.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Will the forthcoming legislation take account of the increasing number of Government advertisements which are to be seen everywhere?