HC Deb 08 July 1947 vol 439 cc2032-3
58. Mr. Hurd

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why His Majesty's Stationery Office took advertising space in a supplement dealing with the Royal Agricultural Show at Lincoln, which was published in Paris by the Continental "Daily Mail" on 27th June and was on sale at the show, while newspapers published in this country were denied the opportunity of publishing special supplements for the show.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The space was taken by the Stationery Office in the ordinary course of business and at the suggestion of agricultural interests in this country to make better known on the Continent and to visitors from the Continent the agricultural publications of His Majesty's Government. I have no information that newspapers published in this country were denied permission to publish special supplements for the show.

Mr. Hurd

Are we to take it from the Minister's reply that, on future occasions, if a British-published newspaper asks for facilities of this kind, they will be granted?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

That is a hypothetical question and in any case it would not be for me to decide.

Sir W. Darling

Has the Financial Secretary formed any idea of the number of French agriculturists who read the Continental "Daily Mail?"