§ 48. Sir John Mellorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what publicity for the benefit of the National Coal Board was paid for out of the public revenue between 1st January and 1st October, 1947; what was the cost; and what sum was spent by the Exchequer for coal mining publicity during the corresponding period of 1946.
§ Sir S. CrippsBetween 1st January and 1st October, 1947, expenditure was incurred out of public funds on publicity connected with coal mining on 12 films, six issues of the magazine "Coal," one exhibition, two leaflets, and Press and poster advertising. The National Coal Board no doubt shared in the benefits of this publicity, the cost of which was £170,856, related revenue totalled £24,950. The Exchequer spent £71,049 on coal mining publicity during the period 1st January to 1st October, 1946. The main part of the expenditure was on a film.
§ Sir J. MellorWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman say what precedent there is for giving a subsidy to the National Coal Board and by what authority the taxpayers were charged with a loss, exceeding £4,000, incurred by the Stationery Office in publishing the National Coal Board magazine? Why was not the loss charged to the National Coal Board?
§ Sir S. CrippsDuring the period when the loss was incurred it was done by the Exchequer. It was not charged to the National Coal Board. The hon Member knows that subsequently arrangements were made to hand it over to the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. MarloweIf these things are to be financed out of money voted by Parliament, why is not Parliament entitled to inquire about their activities?
§ Sir S. CrippsIt is doing so at this moment, so far as I know.