§ 7. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the confusion caused by his appeal in general terms to abstain from spending; and whether he will specify those goods or services on which he wishes people to economise.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI am unaware of the existence of the confusion to which the hon. Member refers. The views of the Government on the need for restraint in personal spending on goods and services generally have been repeatedly made known.
§ Mr. JegerDoes the right hon. Gentleman not appreciate that many people are in difficulties because they do not know 172 whether they should economise on their rent by not paying the increases imposed by Government action in order to buy food at the enhanced prices or to go without food in order to pay the rent?
Mr. H. WilsonWould the right hon. Gentleman give clear advice to many bewildered people who, when they see an I.T.A. advertisement telling them to buy some inessential commodity, also bear in mind that the Chancellor wants them to buy less? Would he say whether they should buy more or buy less?
§ Mr. MacmillanI do not see that where the advertisement occurs very much affects the question of advertising. I have read advertisements urging people to buy more things in many newspapers, some of which are connected with the right hon. Gentleman's own party.