§ 16. Sir John Mellorasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether his attention has been called to the large display of roadside advertisements by Government Departments; and what steps he has taken, in consultation with the Departments concerned, to arrange for the removal of such advertisements by county planning authorities.
§ The Minister of Town and Country Planning (Mr. Silkin)The sites on which advertisements by Government Departments are displayed are generally commercial sites and are subject to control under the Control of Advertisements Regulations. Even if such advertisements are removed, the sites will generally be available for use by other advertisers, at least for so long as the period of grace permitted under the regulations. I would agree, however, that Government Departments should set a good standard in this matter and will consider with my colleagues what improvements are possible in particular cases.
§ Sir J. MellorI am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman, but is he aware that at present Government Departments are the worst disfigurers of the countryside, and if he has any doubt will he have a look at Warwickshire?
§ Mr. SilkinI am certainly not aware of that, and I have very grave doubts.