HC Deb 14 July 1947 vol 440 cc22-4
64. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Food if it is proposed to continue the issue of posters published by the Bureau of Current Affairs to local food offices; what has been the cost of such issues in the last year; and what instructions have been issued to local food officers regarding the use to which these posters should be put.

Mr. Strachey

I cannot yet say what we shall do next year, but this year we have ordered 1,300 sets at 15s. per set of 26 copies. The posters are intended to make food offices and waiting roams more interesting to visitors.

Major Legge-Bourke

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, does he consider that it is advisable in a Government-run establishment to exhibit posters saying, "How right is Bevin?"—[An HON. MEMBER: "Telling the truth."]—and "Bevin's Foreign 'Affaires,'" and does he not consider that that would only tend to cause dissatisfaction with His Majesty's Government's foreign policy?

Mr. Strachey

I do not know whether the hon. and gallant Member dislikes these posters because they are critical of the Government, or too favourable to the Government. I think it shows that they are very impartial.

Mr. Chetwynd

Would my right hon. Friend send two copies to each food office so that the public can see both sides of the posters at the same time?

Mr. Beswick

Is my right hon. Friend aware that although there may be hon. Members opposite who do not wish for thought to be provoked by these posters, most people will appreciate the stand my right hon. Friend has taken in refusing to be panicked by questioning from the other side in the same way as the Secretary of State for War?

Mr. Eden

May we have an assurance that the right hon. Gentleman is in agreement with what the Prime Minister told us a short time ago?

Mr. Strachey

Certainly, the right hon. Gentleman can have that assurance.

Mr. Eden

Then why did he not say so?

Mr. Strachey

The Prime Minister accepted the criticism of one particular poster in this series.

Major Legge-Bourke

Would the right hon. Gentleman care to look at Poster No. 17 which gave some figures and pictures bearing on rationing that are statistically inaccurate and definitely misleading?

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir, I passed the poster most carefully myself. It is statistically correct.