§ 25. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Fuel and Power, having regard to the recent reduction of £500,000 in the promotional advertising expenditure of the electricity and gas industries, what further inessential expenditure is to be similarly eliminated.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksBoth industries have made proposals to defer expenditure which is not immediately necessary for maintaining future supplies and providing consumers with a reasonable service. My right hon. Friend is considering these proposals.
§ Mr. NabarroDoes not my hon. Friend realise that this Question relates to promotional advertising? Why is it necessary for the State electricity authority, which is a monopoly any way, to advertise its wares, since all advertising practice should be based on competitive conditions? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Yes. Would not my hon. Friend consider 1906 eliminating all promotional advertising expenditure by State electricity?
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksNo, Sir. I do not think that it would be a desirable thing to give direction to that effect, but, as my hon. Friend quite correctly suggests in his Question, there has been a very substantial reduction in the amount of promotional advertising which the industries have put in hand.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) is always advertising himself without any competition?
§ Mr. NabarroToo much waste on the surface.