HC Deb 15 February 1955 vol 537 cc160-1
5. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that sentries on duty at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the Horse Guards are being exploited by Press photographers for advertising purposes; and what action he will take to prevent their exploitation.

Mr. Head

The inclusion of sentries in photographs used for advertising purposes is not a legal offence, nor is it necessarily objectionable, always provided reasonable good taste and discretion are shown.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is there no way of preventing the use of sentries as the stooges of any flibbertigibbet coming over here from Hollywood to boost herself in pictures? Does he not consider their antics and posturings, deliberately contrived by film publicity executives, to be in execrable taste? Will he do something about it?

Mr. Head

Without putting another sentry in front of the sentry to keep these people away, I do not know what we should do.

Mr. Nicholson

Have any of the sentries complained about flibbertigibbets fraternising with them?

Mr. Head

I have not heard any complaints, nor do I know about the flibbertigibbets.

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