HC Deb 06 April 1948 vol 449 cc18-9
38. Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

asked he Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has made a request, similar to that made to the Federation of British Industries, to the Boards of the socialised industries to reduce voluntarily their expenditure of money and materials on advertising.

Mr. Jay

The plan of action formulated by the Federation of British Industries was brought to the notice of the Boards of the socialised industries.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Will the hon. Gentleman look into the apparently gross waste of manpower and materials involved in the advertising activities of London Transport, and will he consider also if it is necessary for a State monopoly to publicise its activities at all?

Mr. Jay

I think there are good reasons for some amount of advertising, but I understand that some reductions have already been made as a result of these representations.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Will the hon. Gentleman go further, and bring this point to the notice of the Transport Commission? Will he also make an appeal to them similar to that addressed to the Federation of British Industries?

Mr. Jay

Exactly the same procedure has been followed as in the case of private undertakings.