HC Deb 29 April 1948 vol 450 cc607-8
65. Captain Crowder

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to what extent it is now the policy of the Government to mention individual firms by name in Government-sponsored advertisements; and in how many cases this has occurred.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

For the past six months, it has been the policy of the Government to publish the names of individual firms with achievements to their credit in production or price reduction, for the sake of example and encouragement. The names of 40 firms have so far been mentioned in the Government's "Reports to the Nation."

Captain Crowder: Does not the Financial Secretary agree that it is very hard on the competitors of these firms whose products are advertised in this way at Government expense in Government publications?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I should have thought that the hon. and gallant Gentleman would have approved. It is competition at its best.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman who selects the recipients of these Government "Oscars"?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

In a sense, they select themselves by their example.