HC Deb 13 June 1951 vol 488 cc2269-70
2. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps are taken to ensure the exclusion from the publicity material issued by the authorities of the Festival of Britain of material of a nature connected with party political propaganda.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Stokes)

Publicity material issued by the Festival Office is produced in conformity with the content of the Festival programme under the supervision of representatives of all political parties. The freedom of the Festival from political bias has been generally recognised.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Arising out of the latter part of that answer, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Labour Party have produced from Transport House a publication entitled "Festival" deliberately designed to exploit the Festival for party purposes, and can I have the right hon. Gentleman's assurance that this conduct had neither the assistance nor the connivance of the Festival authorities?

Mr. Stokes

I am very much surprised that the hon. Gentleman should ask me that. I have nothing whatever to do with what the Labour Party or the Tory Party do. As deputy "Lord Festival," I have nothing whatever to do with it. There is no political propaganda in the Festival publications. If any political party chooses to use the Festival name. I cannot help it.