HC Deb 15 June 1948 vol 452 c254
58. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that publications of the Central Office of Information, such as "Target," advocating increased production in every industry throughout the country, are sent out indiscriminately to all industries, including a substantial number which have recently been warned to reduce their output owing to lack of outlet for their products; and if he will give an assurance that greater care and discrimination will be exercised in future and that the circulation of this publication will be curtailed.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Increased efficiency and productivity are just as important in contracting as in expanding industries. The answer to the second part of the Question is therefore, "No, Sir."

Mr. De la Bère

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me, in view of the shortage of newsprint, what is the use of wasting newsprint, sending it round to people whose production is being curtailed, exhorting them to increase their production? Surely it is the most appalling waste of newsprint, and I hope that my friend Lord Beaverbrook will record it in his paper.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is it not a tact that this appeal for increased production was sent also to the national association which represents the undertaking profession?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I doubt it. It was sent only to firms employing no or more employees, and I doubt whether most undertakers employ as many as that.