HC Deb 09 May 1949 vol 464 cc1483-4
37. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Minister of Food what is the object of advertisements under the heading, "Food Facts," such as, "Our Big Day"; and what has been the expenditure on this particular advertisement.

Mr. Strachey

The object of the advertisement was to ask grown-up people to delay their purchases until the children had had an opportunity of buying sweets. The cost of space for this advertisement was £3,200.

Mr. Baldwin

Does the Minister really consider it worth while to use up the taxpayers' money encouraging Peter, Sarah, Joey and Brenda to be selfish at the expense of their elders? Does he not think it would be better to provide Peter, Sarah, Joey and Brenda with more protein food rather than sweets?

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir; this is an example of how much my views differ from the hon. Member's on this and almost every other question.

Mrs. Jean Mann

Would not my right hon. Friend consider taking some drastic action against the people who run in and out of confectionery shops, buying as much as 20s. worth at a time?

Mr. Chetwynd

Do not many adults behave as though they have never seen chocolates off the ration, so that children who indeed have never been able to get sweets off the ration are being deprived of their share?

Mr. Strachey

Some adults may behave like children. That is always possible.

Back to